Update on the progress of "Khon La Khrueng Plus Phase 2" under the "Thai Help Thai Plus" program, preparing to distribute to over 20 million eligible people more than 2,000 to 2,400 baht, expected to start in May 2026 GMT+7.
., Mr. Akniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, spoke about assistance measures, stating there will be a Cabinet meeting after the policy address to Parliament on 11 April 2026 GMT+7, focusing first on measures to address the direct impact of rising oil prices, targeting relief to vulnerable groups, transport sectors, farmers, and fishermen.
Regarding the project "Khon La Khrueng Plus" and top-ups to the state welfare card, these are certain and will be done, but not on 11 April, because these funds will be reserved as mechanisms for economic recovery and cost-of-living relief going forward. This is due to the expected ripple effects from energy prices on product costs and the overall economy.
Recently, the "Khon La Khrueng Plus" project has made progressive developments as Mr. Lawaran Saengsanit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, revealed that the Ministry of Finance is currently preparing everything and has invited Krungthai Bank, the developer of the "Pao Tang" application, to discuss implementation details.
Regarding the exact amount to be distributed or whether it will be the same as before, Mr. Lawaran said that no information can be given yet, but it is confirmed to be higher than before, both in the number of people—previously 20 million eligible—and the amount received, previously 2,000 to 2,400 baht per person, as the government aims to alleviate the public’s cost-of-living burden. It is expected to be usable starting May 2026 GMT+7.
This project "Khon La Khrueng Plus" is part of the government's public assistance measures under the name "Thai Help Thai Plus" and will be proposed to the Cabinet on 21 April 2026 GMT+7.
Regarding the budget to be used, it depends on the Budget Bureau, which is currently processing it. Initially, the Comptroller General's Department has inquired and found approximately 84 billion baht available, coming from budget reallocations and uncommitted funds, since contracts have not yet been signed. The Budget Bureau will issue a budget transfer royal decree, which will also be proposed to the Cabinet on 21 April 2026 GMT+7.
For the past "Khon La Khrueng" program, the government paid 50% (not exceeding 200 baht per person per day) with entitlement limits as follows:
1. Must be a Thai national
2. Must be at least 16 years old on the registration date
3. Must have a national ID card
4. Must not hold a state welfare card according to the Ministry of Finance database as of 1 October 2025 GMT+7
5. Must not have had rights suspended or been required to repay funds in government projects including "Khon La Khrueng" phases 1 through 5.
If there are updates on registration for "Khon La Khrueng Plus" or registration for "Thai Help Thai Plus" we will provide further reports.