Half-Half Plus Scheme to be Submitted for Cabinet Consideration Today

Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Paradorn Prissananantakul has affirmed that the government’s plan to reallocate funds from the central budget to finance the Half-Half Plus co-payment scheme is consistent with existing fiscal provisions.

Paradorn explained that approximately 99 billion baht is allocated to the central budget each year, while 25 billion baht had already been set aside by the previous administration specifically for economic stimulus measures. However, the scheme requires a total of 44 billion baht, leaving a shortfall of about 19 billion baht, which the government intends to draw from the 99-billion-baht emergency central fund.

The Minister acknowledged that the current administration did not draft the existing fiscal budget but is instead responsible for executing the one prepared by the previous government. As a result, it is crucial to establish appropriate funding structures to ensure the government's policies are effectively implemented. He stressed that this administration has pledged to address four major national challenges, including the economic crisis, making it vital and urgent to allocate a portion of the emergency budget to support timely and effective policy implementation.

When asked whether the reallocation would affect future funding for other urgent matters, the Minister explained that the government typically utilizes 20–30 billion baht annually from the central fund for emergency relief and crisis response measures. He assured that ample funds will remain available to support additional economic stimulus initiatives and emergency needs throughout the current fiscal year.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas forecasted that the Half-Half Plus scheme would boost Thailand's GDP by 0.3-0.4% in the final quarter of the year. He also confirmed that the initiative will be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration today, underscoring the government's commitment to stimulating short-term economic growth and domestic spending.