Economy
Private Sector Urges Two-Month Extension of 'Thai Help Thai Plus' Scheme
Business leaders are calling for the government to extend the 'Thai Help Thai Plus' program to support SMEs, while emphasizing the need for reduced operational costs to boost competitiveness.
According to a report by Matichon Online on September 24, 2026, representatives from the private sector have formally requested that the government extend the 'Thai Help Thai Plus' initiative for an additional two months. Business leaders argue that this extension is vital for providing a financial lifeline to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) currently navigating challenging economic conditions.
Beyond the extension of the program, the private sector has urged the government to implement concrete measures aimed at lowering operational costs for SMEs. Proponents of this move suggest that reducing these overheads is essential to improving the overall competitiveness of Thai businesses in the regional market.
For residents and expatriates, this development highlights ongoing government efforts to stabilize the local economy and support small business owners who form the backbone of the service and retail sectors. While the proposal has been presented to the government, it remains to be confirmed whether officials will approve the two-month extension or introduce specific new policies to address the requested cost reductions. Observers are now waiting for an official response from the relevant ministries regarding the feasibility of these economic support measures.