Following the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Thailand’s Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the prospects for the second phase of the short-term economic stimulus program, the ‘Half-Half Plus’ co-payment scheme.
His comments come amid uncertainty after the Royal Decree dissolving the House of Representatives was enacted on December 12, 2025.
Anutin stated that the administration is now operating within the rules and limitations imposed by the House dissolution. As a result, the government cannot allocate funds from the central budget at this time and must wait for the government to return to normal operations before proceeding.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, when questioned about the fate of the scheme, displayed disappointment and shook his head, declining to offer any comment.
Previously, government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat outlined that the initial conditions of the second phase of the program would see 10 million entitlements distributed, each worth 2,000 baht per person. The program was expected to use a 22 billion baht budget sourced from the central fund, with disbursement targeted for early January 2026.
