Politics
Thai Government Reviews Potential Extension of 'Thai Help Thai Plus Phase 2'
Minister Paradorn Prissananantakul confirms the Ministry of Finance is evaluating the extension of the 'Thai Help Thai Plus Phase 2' energy relief program.
On September 15, 2026, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office Paradorn Prissananantakul addressed the status of the 'Thai Help Thai Plus Phase 2' initiative. According to Khaosod Online, the Ministry of Finance is currently assessing whether the current economic climate warrants an extension of this energy-related relief program.
Minister Paradorn noted that the Ministry of Finance, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, is evaluating the necessity of the extension. If the ministry determines that the program remains appropriate, the proposal will be submitted to the committee overseeing the emergency loan decree for energy crisis management. Following committee approval, the matter would then proceed to the Cabinet for a final decision.
Regarding funding, the Minister clarified that there is no legal prohibition against utilizing the remaining 200 billion baht from the emergency loan decree, noting that the initial allocation has not yet been fully exhausted. While approximately 40 to 50 billion baht remains, the scope of any potential extension—including the number of beneficiaries, total funding, and duration—depends entirely on the financial models developed by the Ministry of Finance.
For residents and travelers, this development is significant as it relates to ongoing government efforts to mitigate energy costs. However, it remains to be confirmed whether the program will be extended, as the Ministry of Finance has yet to finalize its assessment or submit a formal proposal.