On September 14, 2025, Siriphong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, revealed that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is in discussions with Ekniti Nitithanprapas, the incoming Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, to formulate short-term economic stimulus measures.
Currently, the government is considering budgets that can be immediately allocated, such as the central budget and carry-over budgets, to implement measures that reduce the cost of living. These include the “Half-Half” (co-payment) scheme, which may require more than THB 25 billion, as well as measures to reduce electricity bills—an issue that Attapol Ruekpiboon, the incoming Minister of Energy, is currently assessing for possible reductions.
Siriphong confirmed that the cost-sharing ratio in the new version of the Half-Half scheme will differ: taxpayers will have a 60:40 ratio, while the general public will be at 50:50. The 60:40 case may be used as Version 2 if the budget is insufficient. If feasible, the policy will be implemented immediately for rapid effect.
Regarding the “Half-Price Thailand Travel” scheme, it cannot be confirmed at this time and will depend on available funding. However, previous projects that have already opened for registration will proceed to completion.
Siriphong also mentioned that, within the next four months, new measures to reduce the cost of electric train fares might be introduced. However, this would not be a fixed rate of THB 20 for the entire line; instead, there may be a one-time initial fare, with subsequent charges based on distance, up to a maximum of THB 30, 40, or 45, depending on each route.
These measures will be implemented under the Joint Ticket Management System Act, which has recently passed the first reading on September 8, 2025. The speed of these projects will depend on the Act’s enactment and the fare collection structure to be set, but Siriphong confirmed that a flat rate of THB 20 for the whole line will definitely not be applied.
