Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), revealed that the “Half-Half Internet” (Internet co-payment) project has not been submitted to the Cabinet meeting on November 4, despite passing its prior schedule for consideration since October 28, 2025.
MDES believes that further review is necessary, especially regarding the pricing and data allowances suitable for recipients. There has been no final agreement on these details with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), and the ministry is unclear how the figures of THB 160 and 40GB of data were derived. A thorough evaluation is needed since the project’s goal is to truly assist low-income earners, not just offer generic price discounts.
The Half-Half Internet project aims to reduce expenses and increase internet accessibility for over 14 million state welfare cardholders. Funding will come from the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Research and Development Fund for the Public Interest (BTFP), to extend digital education and economic opportunities nationwide.
In prior discussions, the NBTC office negotiated with mobile operators who initially proposed a service fee of THB 199 per month (excluding VAT), later reduced to THB 160 inclusive of VAT for a 40GB monthly data allowance for three billing cycles.
However, MDES deems this measure insufficient and seeks greater private-sector contribution to ensure truly affordable internet access. Additionally, many welfare cardholders use 2G phones, which cannot access the internet; thus, support for device upgrades to 4G or 5G is under discussion to make the program genuinely effective.
Trairat Viriyasirikul, Deputy Secretary-General and Acting Secretary-General of the NBTC, stated that the commission is currently awaiting a formal letter from MDES to revise the project conditions before resuming negotiations with service providers. He noted that the THB 160 pricing model had previously been used during the COVID-19 period, which may not reflect current economic conditions.
