Bangkok: The "Thai Helps Thai" initiative has generated 16 billion baht in just seven days, with an electricity bill cap set to begin this June, reducing rates to a maximum of 3 baht.
According to Thai News Agency, the government has reiterated its commitment to the "Thai Helps Thai" campaign, allocating 16 billion baht over a 7-day period, while simultaneously addressing long-term structural economic issues. Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, highlighted that the economic measures under Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul aim to support grassroots citizens, small business owners, and entrepreneurs amidst global economic volatility, high energy costs, and fragile purchasing power.
The campaign's first week has seen active participation, with spending surpassing 16,829.82 million baht. More than 300,000 individuals have utilized their full 1,000 baht allowance, with expectations of sustained purchasing power and increased income for small businesses.
Ms. Ratchada emphasized that the "Thai Helps Thai Plus" measure facilitates the circulation of money to small retailers, community markets, and grassroots entrepreneurs, helping manage the cost of living without being a complete economic solution. Alongside this, a measure to cap electricity rates at 3 baht per unit for the first 200 units will be introduced in June 2026, benefiting over 20 million households.
The government is implementing immediate measures and structural solutions, with agencies working on adjusting residential electricity rates to a progressive system. Additionally, a committee led by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilapraphan will review electricity costs, including those from private producers.
Ms. Ratchada noted that other concurrent economic measures include accelerating investment, attracting new ventures, facilitating business operations, and maintaining fiscal discipline. The government's approach aims to responsibly support small business owners, reduce living costs, and address structural economic issues for sustained momentum.