The government clarified that the "Thai Help Thai: Capital Increase, Half-Interest" program is not a direct cash handout to the public but aims to increase opportunities for accessing funding sources and reduce reliance on informal debt by allocating funds through registered legal entity funds nationwide.
On 14 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Lalida Pertviwatana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, stated that after the government launched the "Thai Help Thai: Capital Increase, Half-Interest" program on 10 Aug 2026 GMT+7, some people remain confused about eligibility, benefit methods, and the meaning of "half-interest." The government emphasized that this program is not a cash handout or direct transfer to individual accounts but allocates additional capital through village funds, urban community funds, and military community funds with a total budget of 4.452 billion baht, covering 79,610 funds nationwide and over 12 million members.
The Deputy Spokesperson said the government, led by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, aims to increase public access to formal funding sources at reasonable costs to support livelihoods, generate income, and reduce dependence on informal debt. The program requires the "funds" themselves to apply for participation, not individual members.
Once a fund applies and meets the criteria, it must draft or revise agreements to reduce the loan interest rate on Account 1 for its members by at least half of the originally contracted rate. The government will then allocate additional capital to the fund based on the total interest reduction the fund provides its members during the current accounting year contract period.
"The term 'half-interest' does not mean the government transfers half the interest amount directly to members' accounts or that members can register individually to receive money. Rather, participating funds must reduce Account 1 loan interest for members by at least half per the criteria. The amounts of 30,000–150,000 baht refer to additional capital allocated to each fund, not money given to each member."
The allocation of additional capital to funds follows a tiered system based on the total interest reduction granted to members: total interest reduction up to 30,000 baht receives 30,000 baht; over 30,000–50,000 baht receives 50,000 baht; over 50,000–70,000 baht receives 70,000 baht; over 70,000–90,000 baht receives 90,000 baht; over 90,000–120,000 baht receives 120,000 baht; and over 120,000 baht receives 150,000 baht.
Funds eligible to participate must be registered legal entities with management committees as per regulations and have submitted financial reports continuously for at least two years to the National Village and Urban Community Fund Office (NVUCFO). Members must approve participation. Funds apply through the provincial fund coordination centers or NVUCFO regional branches for eligibility and document verification before proceeding with program steps.
The Deputy Spokesperson emphasized that although the program covers 79,610 funds and over 12 million members, not every fund or member will automatically receive interest reductions. Funds must apply, meet qualifications, and execute or revise contracts per criteria. Members should check with their fund committees about their fund’s participation status and progress.
"The government’s goal is to reduce financial burdens and expand options for people to access formal funding sources to build livelihoods and income, not to use the budget to pay off individual informal debts. The public is urged to be cautious of messages or links claiming direct registration for 30,000–150,000 baht from this program. For verification, contact local funds or any of the 14 NVUCFO regional offices at 02-100-4209 ext. 1702–1712."