Supachai revealed that the Prime Minister has instructed Ekniti to explore extending the 'Thai Help Thai Plus' program for two more months, noting that Thailand has yet to recover from the energy crisis. Immediate measures will be introduced without waiting until year-end, with assurances of additional measures. She indicated this crisis could be more severe than previous ones.
At 15:30 on 15 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supachai Sutthampan spoke at the Government House regarding clarifications about the 'Thai Help Thai Plus' Phase 2 program. She said that Thailand currently faces new geopolitical risks, as seen in the additional closure of the Strait of Hormuz and rising oil prices, which the Prime Minister understands the domestic economic situation and has therefore asked Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas to consider extending the program for a further period.
When asked by reporters how many more months the program would be extended, Supachai showed two fingers and said the Prime Minister had indicated this as the guideline. Regarding whether the budget would remain at 1,000 baht per month, Supachai responded that Ekniti will provide details; it remains to be seen how funds can be drawn from reserves within those two months. When asked whether the funds would come from the borrowing decree or the annual budget, Supachai said all reserves would be tapped, with Ekniti deciding which to use.
On how the Ministry of Commerce will handle rising oil prices, Supachai said she had already conducted a major drill in March, so the approach will be similar. Yesterday (14 Sep), she met with Ekniti, Pakorn Nilprapan, Deputy Prime Minister, and the Ministry of Energy in a small meeting. Plans will soon be announced and implemented immediately, without waiting until year-end.
Supachai also acknowledged that economic stimulus measures will not be limited to the 'Thai Help Thai Plus' program but will include other measures, as this crisis may be even more severe, given that the country is still recovering from the first round and the COVID-19 period, requiring a systemic approach. .