The program "Khon La Khrueng Plus Phase 2" transitions to "Thai Chuay Thai Plus" is set to open for registration in April, with use expected to start in May.
It has become a program many are eagerly awaiting, namely "Khon La Khrueng Plus" which is a flagship policy of the Bhumjaithai Party that campaigned on this and consistently affirmed that once in government, it could start immediately to help reduce the cost of living for the people.
Recently, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul spoke about the Khon La Khrueng Plus program, saying it is a necessary project. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Akniti Nitithanprapas proposed it. Now the term "plus" applies multiple times, especially amid the oil situation, so it needs to be enhanced further to provide people with compensation. All ministers responsible for their ministries will participate in drafting it. As Prime Minister, I will add and improve it but will not cut anything out.
When asked whether the Khon La Khrueng program could be used to top up fuel, the Prime Minister said not to ask such detailed questions yet. He wants proposals first because some things are limited by legal restrictions on what can or cannot be done. It must be considered whether borrowing money to implement the program is necessary. Right now, the priority is the people. The government must thoroughly consider resource acquisition and management to ensure it can be done without causing harm to the country.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Akniti Nitithanprapas revealed preparations for the Khon La Khrueng Plus program, expected to start in May. It will help both vulnerable groups and Khon La Khrueng participants combined. State welfare cardholders will also be able to use funds at stores participating in the Khon La Khrueng program under the new program called Thai Chuay Thai Plus.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Lawaron Saengsanit, said discussions are ongoing to improve the Khon La Khrueng Plus program. Details on eligible groups, individual limits, and other conditions have yet to be finalized. Initially, the program will be renamed Thai Chuay Thai Plus, with new registrations opening in April before starting in May. State welfare cardholders can continue using their existing benefits as usual.
From the eligibility criteria in previous Khon La Khrueng Plus phases, state welfare cardholders could not access Khon La Khrueng Plus benefits. Therefore, the "Thai Chuay Thai Plus" conditions may be changed to allow state welfare cardholders to spend Khon La Khrueng funds via the G-Wallet in the "Pao Tang" app at participating stores as well, pending government confirmation.
However, any updates will be reported in due course.