Dr. Ekniti is pushing for budget allocation for the "Half-Price Plus" scheme, expected to start this June with a 4,000 baht handout.
Dr. Ekniti instructed the Comptroller General's Department and the Budget Bureau to find funds for the "Half-Price Plus" scheme, and to expedite the collection of outstanding payments for the Budget Transfer Act. Registration is expected to open in May, with spending beginning in June 2026. A 4,000 baht payment will be distributed over four months, but the number of recipients has not yet been finalized.
27 April 2569 – Dr. Ekniti Nitithanpraphat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance It was revealed that instructions have been given to the Comptroller General's Department and the Budget Bureau to expedite the search for funding sources for the "Half-Price Plus" project. The first source will be from the enactment of the Budget Transfer Act of 2569, which requires waiting until the deadline for government agencies to sign budget commitment contracts, April 30, 2569. After that, the amount of money that government agencies were unable to commit to will become apparent. This amount will be transferred to provide relief to the public through the Half-Price Plus project.
In the beginning Half-Half Plus Project Registration will open to the public in May 2569, allowing spending to begin in June 2569. Each person will receive 4,000 baht, averaging 1,000 baht per month for 4 months. The number of people who will be eligible for the program is still under consideration based on available budget.
Regarding the concerns raised about the number of eligible recipients not being less than the previous round, which might lead to higher government spending... Dr. Ekniti stated that the exact number of eligible recipients will have to wait for budget figures to be finalized, and further details need to be considered.
Regarding whether or not borrowing money will be necessary, please wait and see the figures for the budget transfers first.
"I can confirm that the budget transfer must be done through a Royal Decree, in accordance with the law. Regarding the concern that the number of eligible recipients must not be less than the previous round, which might lead to higher budget expenditures, we need to examine the budget details and it may have to be done in steps. Please wait for further clarification from the government."
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