Government targets June start for B4,000 cost-of-living aid scheme

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Saturday, Apr 25, that the government plans to launch a B4,000 aid scheme in June after seeking cabinet approval within May, according to the Bangkok Post. The measure, which will also affect households in Phuket, is designed to ease living costs and add liquidity to the economy through monthly payments of B1,000 over four months.

Anutin said the programme was first conceived as a two-month stimulus before being expanded. He said the policy builds on a Bhumjaithai Party campaign pledge and lessons from earlier co-payment schemes.

Registration and payment model still being finalised

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said registration is expected to open in May. He said disbursement would begin the following month through the Paotang application, which has been used in previous state aid programmes.

Ekniti said a 60:40 split between the state and participants may apply in some cases, particularly for general consumers. He added that vulnerable groups could receive full support without any co-payment requirement.

Funding questions and criticism over targeting

Anutin said the government chose not to revive the “Khon La Khrueng” branding and instead shifted to a model focused more directly on financial assistance rather than matching consumer spending. He said the state would shoulder a greater share of the burden under the revised framework, citing global uncertainty including the Middle East war and the risk of higher energy prices and household expenses in Thailand.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva called on the government to explain how the policy would be financed, including whether money would come from budget reallocation, the 2027 fiscal budget or new borrowing. He also urged tighter targeting toward vulnerable groups and said alternatives such as excise tax cuts or margin adjustments could reduce prices at the source and lessen the need for subsidies.

Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/government-plans-b4-000-aid-rollout-100026.php