Project details revealed "Thai Chua Thai Plus" Combining benefit measures "State Welfare Card" and "Khon La Khrueng Plus 60/40" Clear check on registration dates and who is eligible for the 4,000 baht payment
On 19 May 2026, Mr. Winij Wisesuwanphoom, Director of the Fiscal Policy Office and spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, announced that today the Cabinet approved the "Thai Chua Thai Plus" project to alleviate the impact of the energy crisis affecting all occupations and businesses suddenly and severely, with high uncertainty and likely prolonged effects. This will be funded through additional sources under the Royal Decree empowering the Ministry of Finance to borrow funds to address the energy crisis impact and support the country's energy transition in 2026. Without timely assistance and economic stabilization measures in the short term, economic activity contraction, business closures, and rising unemployment would occur rapidly.
The "Thai Chua Thai Plus" project focuses on assisting vulnerable people through the State Welfare Card mechanism and easing household expenses to support purchasing power, as well as helping small vendors maintain their livelihoods, thereby securing the country's economic stability as an urgent and unavoidable necessity. The details are as follows:
1. The 2026 State Welfare Card project to support vulnerable groups
The Cabinet has approved budget allocations for the State Welfare Fund for the grassroots economy and society to support low-income individuals registered in the State Welfare Card program throughout fiscal year 2026. This ensures continuous state welfare benefits during fiscal year 2026, including allowances for purchasing consumer goods, discounts on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), public transportation fares, and electricity and water bills.
Additionally, extra welfare payments will be provided to persons with disabilities. The Cabinet approved increasing welfare funds for State Welfare Card holders in 2026 to help ease the cost of living burdens caused by the fast and severe energy crisis impact that undermines confidence and purchasing power among low-income vulnerable groups. Approximately 13.18 million cardholders will receive an additional 700 baht per person per month, on top of the original 300 baht monthly benefit, totaling 1,000 baht per month for four months from June to September 2026. (Unused funds in any month will not roll over to the next month.)
The Ministry of Finance will expedite a new registration round for the State Welfare Card to screen applicants according to eligibility criteria for existing cardholders, coordinating with the Ministry of Interior to identify marginalized groups accurately and in line with current circumstances. The Ministry of Finance will promptly present details to the Cabinet for further approval.
2. The Thai Chua Thai Plus (60/40) project
The Thai Chua Thai Plus (60/40) project aims to assist people affected by the energy crisis caused by conflicts in the Middle East by reducing their expenses and maintaining purchasing power. It also supports business operators by providing income from sales of goods and services so they can continue their occupations or businesses. The government will co-pay for food, beverages, goods, and specified services for participants, who can spend at participating vendors. Details are as follows:
2.1 The Thai Chua Thai Plus (60/40) project period is from 25 May to 30 September 2026, with details as follows:
2.1.1 Registration opens for vendors
1. For operators who previously joined the Khon La Khrueng Plus program, they can confirm their participation in the Thai Chua Thai Plus (60/40) program via the "Thung Ngern" app from 25 May to 30 September 2026.
2. For operators who have never joined the Khon La Khrueng Plus program, they can register to participate in the Thai Chua Thai Plus (60/40) program at branches of Krung Thai Bank from 25 May to 31 July 2026.
2.1.2 Registration opens for the public from 25 May to 29 May 2026 (06:00–22:00) until reaching 30 million people or the final registration date on 29 May 2026, whichever comes first.
2.1.3 Eligible citizens can use the Thai Chua Thai Plus (60/40) benefits from 1 June to 30 September 2026 (06:00–23:00) to purchase food, beverages, goods, and specified services from participating vendors. For food or beverage purchases via approved Food Delivery Platforms participating in the program through the "Pao Tang" app, benefits can be used from 15 June to 30 September 2026 (06:00–21:00).
2.2 Target group: up to 30 million people meeting the following criteria:
1. Must be a Thai national
2. Must be at least 18 years old on the registration date
3. Must have a national ID card
4. Must not have had rights suspended or been required to repay funds from past Khon La Khrueng programs, including phases 1 through 5 and Khon La Khrueng Plus.
5. Must not be a State Welfare Card holder according to the Ministry of Finance database as of 18 May 2026.
2.3 Spending details: The government co-pays 60% of the cost for food, beverages, goods, and specified services, capped at 200 baht per person per day and 1,000 baht per person per month from June through September 2026 (4 months).
Unused funds in any month will not carry over to the next month. Eligible citizens can use the Thai Chua Thai Plus (60/40) benefits via the "Pao Tang" app to buy food, beverages, goods, and specified services from participating vendors or through approved Food Delivery Platforms, which accept payment through the "Thung Ngern" app. The Ministry of Finance, via the Comptroller General's Department, will transfer the government's co-payment to participating vendors within the specified timeframe.
The Thai Chua Thai Plus (60/40) project assists people impacted by the energy crisis from Middle East conflicts by easing expenses and maintaining purchasing power. It also supports vendors by sustaining their income from sales, enabling continuous business operations. Furthermore, it helps people manage expenses and liquidity appropriately during high living costs. The program also aims to preserve overall consumption and economic activity nationwide.
Additionally, participating vendors will receive training and skill development through the "Thung Ngern" app, utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyze business operations such as cost management, inventory and cash flow control, and sales analysis by time periods. This helps vendors learn new and essential skills, supporting access to knowledge, technology, and financial data management for future funding opportunities.