Thailand too Launch “Half-Half Plus” Spending Stimulus, Expanding Support for Taxpayers
BANGKOK – The Thai government is preparing to launch a new iteration of its popular “Half-Half” (Khon La Khon) economic stimulus project, dubbed “Half-Half Plus,” aimed at boosting domestic consumption and supporting small businesses, particularly street vendors and small retailers. The program will once again offer a 50/50 cost-sharing arrangement for purchases made through the “Pao Tang” mobile application, but with potential increased support for taxpayers.
The original “Half-Half” project, launched previously, provided a subsidy to Thai citizens for purchases made via pao Tang, covering 50% of the cost up to a maximum of 150 baht per person per day, and a total of 3,000 baht per person throughout the project period.
According to Lawan Saengsanit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, “Half-Half Plus” will maintain the 50/50 split for all Thai citizens. However, individuals who are registered in the tax system – or have submitted a tax return – may receive an increased subsidy rate, possibly rising to 60/40.”Those who have more rights is the person in the tax system or submitting a tax return. There is no need to be a real tax with the state,” Saengsanit stated.
While the daily spending limit and overall project budget are still being finalized, the initial costs are expected to be comparable to the original program.
Eligibility for the program remains consistent: participants must be Thai nationals aged 18 or older with a valid national ID card and cannot be holders of state welfare cards.
How to Access the Program via “Pao Tang”:
The “Pao Tang” application is available for download on both Android and iOS platforms. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Download “Pao Tang” from the App Store (iOS 15.0 or higher) or Google Play Store (Android 9.0 or higher).
- Search for “Pao Tang” within the app store.
- Select “Get” or “Install.”
- Open the application after installation.
- Grant permission for identity verification.
- Prepare your national ID card.
- Photograph your ID card for verification.
- Confirm your ID card number and enter your mobile phone number to receive an OTP (One-Time Password).
- Enter the 6-digit OTP code received via SMS.
- Fill in your ID card details.
- Choose your preferred identity verification method: Krungthai Next or Facial Scanning.
Identity Verification Options:
* Krungthai Next: Requires a Krungthai Next account linked to the same ID card number. Users will need to enter their Krungthai Next PIN and an OTP sent to their registered mobile number.
* Facial Scanning: Requires a functioning camera on the user’s device. Users will set a code PIN and enable facial recognition or fingerprint scanning.
Following prosperous registration, a wallet card will be displayed within the application, indicating eligibility for the program. The system will display a message reading “Examination of information” during the verification process.
The “Half-Half” project previously proved popular in stimulating local economies, and “Half-Half plus” aims to build on that success by providing targeted support to taxpayers while continuing to encourage spending at small businesses across thailand.
