Bangkok:The "Thailand Helps Thailand Plus Phase 2" initiative has commenced, with 30.71 million people confirming their eligibility to receive 1,000 baht in government assistance.
According to Thai News Agency, the project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance, encourages citizens to confirm their participation through the 'Paotang' and 'Thung Ngern' applications. Eligible individuals and merchants can spend or receive payments under the project's terms starting October 1, 2026.
Citizens are advised to install and register the "Paotang" application and apply for the government's e-wallet or G-Wallet. Assistance is available at Krung Thai Bank branches. Eligibility confirmation for citizens is open from October 1-15, 2026, while businesses have until November 30, 2026, via the "Thung Ngern" application. The project will not accept new merchant applications.
The government will provide support at a rate of 60%, up to 200 baht per person per day, with a maximum of 1,000 baht per person over the two-month period of October and November 2026. The funds can be used for purchasing food, beverages, goods, and services from participating stores between 600 AM and 1100 PM, and through food delivery platforms via the "Paotang" app from 600 AM to 900 PM.
The Ministry of Finance also highlighted the success of the first phase of the project, which ran from June to September 2026, generating over 171,961 million baht in economic spending. This included 98,756 million baht from government support and 73,205 million baht from citizen contributions. Most spending benefited small retailers, with the food and beverage sector receiving nearly 50% of expenditures.
For Phase 2, the eligibility base was expanded to include approximately 4.8 million additional people who do not possess a state welfare card. The government continues to offer a subsidy of 1,000 baht per person, maintaining the rate of 60% support, capped at 200 baht per person per day, over the same two-month period.