Co-Payment Plus Phase 2: Latest Update from Aekniti Hints at New Plus Version

Latest update Co-Payment Plus Phase 2 project "Aekniti Nitithanprapas" hints at a new Plus version to be developed and shares registration timeline

On 18 March 2026, it was reported that Prachachat Business Newspaper hosted the Prachachat Exclusive Forum 2026: The Long Game #BusinessThatNeverDies seminar, attended by Mr. Aekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

During the seminar, Mr. Aekniti Nitithanprapas spoke about "Co-Payment Plus," saying, "Many say that in the short term, the new Plus version will allow participating stores to press a button to analyze sales performance, determine the best selling times, and identify customer locations. Simply managing costs correctly would be beneficial. We have also discussed with the Thai Bankers' Association about analyzing income and expenses so merchants can obtain formal loans, avoiding informal debt. Additionally, this will help improve and reskill vendors. On the buyer side, AI will analyze purchases to enhance spending knowledge."

Looking back at the conditions for the "Co-Payment Plus Phase 2" project, it is limited to 10 million rights holders, each receiving 2,000 baht. The beneficiaries are divided into two groups as follows:

• One group includes those who have never participated and residents in flood-affected areas and provinces bordering Cambodia with ongoing conflicts, totaling 5 million rights.
• The other group comprises 5 million people who have previously participated in the "Co-Payment Plus" program.

It is expected that the 10 million eligible individuals under "Co-Payment Plus Phase 2" will each receive financial assistance amounting to 2,000 baht throughout the program.

The funds can be spent at participating stores between 06:00 and 23:00 through the G-Wallet feature in the "Pao Tang" application, without the requirement to use the full 200 baht daily entitlement.

When is the registration for "Co-Payment Phase 2"?

According to the government formation timeline and statements by Anutin Charnvirakul following the 8 February election, the forecast is as follows:

• 19 March 2026: Prime Minister vote. If passed, the appointment will be submitted for royal endorsement, and subsequently, the Prime Minister will appoint the Cabinet with qualifications checked, taking about three weeks.
• In April, government policy drafting and policy presentation to Parliament will take place.
• After the Songkran festival, the new government will proceed, and it is expected that the "Co-Payment Plus Phase 2" project can start immediately.

It is anticipated that after Songkran, there will be clarity regarding the Co-Payment Plus or Co-Payment Plus Phase 2 project, including registration periods and entitlement usage timelines to alleviate public hardship. Further updates will be reported accordingly.