The Ministry of Finance is set to propose to the Cabinet on 11 Apr 2026 a 100-baht top-up for State Welfare Cardholders for one month. If approved, the funds will be credited immediately on 13 Apr as a Songkran gift.
On 7 Apr 2026, regarding the progress of the 2026 State Welfare Card program, Mr. Lawaron Saengsanit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, stated that on 11 Apr 2026, the Ministry will propose to the Cabinet a 100-baht top-up for one month to 13.3 million State Welfare Cardholders, also known as the poor cardholders, with a budget of 1.3 billion baht. If the Cabinet approves, the Ministry of Finance is ready to credit the funds immediately on 13 Apr 2026. Meanwhile, assistance for the transport sector, especially truck drivers affected by the fuel price hike, will be handled by the Ministry of Transport, which will compile data for this group, with assistance amounting to about 1.6 billion baht.
Mr. Lawaron added that the Ministry of Finance has also prepared information to present on 11 Apr 2026 regarding the reduction of fuel excise tax. Whether the tax will be reduced depends on the Cabinet's decision. The Ministry of Finance willcompare the datato inform the government that reducing the tax by 1 baht per liter is not different from using the Oil Fund’s money. Therefore, it proposes using the Oil Fund to stabilize prices instead.
"Reducing fuel taxes during an energy crisis and economic downturn raises concerns about revenue collection, making it very difficult to meet revenue targets. When an energy crisis occurs, we do not want it to escalate into a financial crisisfor the country’s finances because it wouldfurther harm the economyeven more.""
Regarding the draft emergency decree to guarantee loans for the Oil Fund with a credit line of 150 billion baht, it is currently under consideration and is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet as soon as possible.