Bangkok, November 2nd, 2025
In a resounding vote of confidence for Thailand’s latest economic stimulus push, the “Half-Half Plus” (Khon La Khueang Phlus) program has clocked over 10 billion baht (approximately $300 million USD) in consumer spending within its first five days of operation, according to the Ministry of Finance. Launched on October 29th as a flagship initiative under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s administration, the scheme has already drawn in nearly 790,000 participating merchants.
The program, which builds on the success of previous “We Travel Together” and “Half-Half” campaigns from the pandemic era, provides eligible citizens with up to 2,000 baht ($60 USD) in digital vouchers over two months. The government matches half of each qualifying purchase of up to 200 baht ($6 USD) per day via the popular Paotang app, encouraging spending at small retailers and service providers. For instance if a registered user spends 400 Baht at a participating restaurant or shop, the government will pay 200 Baht.
As of 5 p.m. on November 2nd, cumulative transactions had exceeded 10 billion baht, with the state contributing around 5 billion baht in subsidies and consumers adding the rest, Ministry spokesperson Winij Visetsuwanphun revealed in a statement to Matichon Online.
This explosive start marks a significant acceleration from earlier milestones: On day one, spending hit 84 million baht from 470,000 users; by day two, it had climbed to over 2 billion baht; and by the end of day three, totals reached 5.4 billion baht across 780,000 merchants. Thai media reports showed the Northeast region’s lead in uptake, accounting for 20% of transactions, largely on food and beverages (52% of overall spend), while the Western region lagged due to fewer enrolled shops.
The Half-Half Plus initiative targets Thailand’s 20 million eligible adults—split between 8 million taxpayers and 12 million non-tax filers—aiming to circulate up to 44 billion baht ($1.3 billion USD) by December 31st. Unlike broader cash handouts, it funnels aid directly to local economies by restricting use to non-essential goods and services like meals, groceries, massages, haircuts, manicures, and public transport, excluding alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets, and gift cards. Food delivery platforms join from November 7th, but only for restaurant orders, excluding delivery fees.
For now, it’s a tangible win: everyday Thais saving on spa days and street eats, while mom-and-pop shops breathe easier.
