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EconomicThailand·Unpinned21 Aug 2026 · 5d ago

TPSO survey finds co-payment scheme funds used for food and essentials

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The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) surveyed 5,645 people nationwide in July 2026 to evaluate the public's engagement with the 'Thais Helps Thais Plus (60/40)' co-payment scheme. The survey found that most participants utilized the benefits for essential household goods and ready-to-eat food, with 48.22% of spending directed toward the latter category. While the scheme encouraged increased consumer spending and helped ease living costs, some non-users reported barriers such as difficulty with digital systems, smartphone requirements, or failure to meet eligibility criteria.

Consequences

As the scheme concluded on September 30, the survey indicated that 31.58% of users planned to continue patronizing the same local businesses, though 44.96% of respondents expected no change in the overall economy. Participants utilized savings from the scheme to pay down debt, reduce borrowing, or purchase higher-quality products, suggesting a temporary improvement in household financial management.

Sources

Bangkok Post
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