The Finance Ministry has confirmed the next phase of the "Khon La Khrueng" co-payment scheme will start in May, with an expanded reach aimed at easing the financial strain on households amid ongoing economic pressures.
Lavaron Sangsnit, permanent secretary for finance, said the forthcoming round would cover more beneficiaries than the previous phase, which covered about 20 million people. The precise number, however, will depend on the budget allocation to be determined by the Budget Bureau.
He said the government intends to broaden access in light of the widespread hardship affecting the population, though participation is unlikely to extend to as many as 50 million people.
Details regarding the value of the subsidy -- previously capped at 2,400 baht per person -- and whether eligibility criteria will remain unchanged are still under consideration, he said.
"The proposal is scheduled to be submitted to the cabinet on April 21, with spending expected to begin the following month,'' he said.
A report by the Comptroller General's Department dated Tuesday says about 84 billion baht in uncommitted funds remain available.
The sum comprises budget allocations from projects that have yet to meet disbursement conditions, as well as carry-over funds from previous fiscal years.
The government has indicated such resources may be redirected to support economic relief measures.
An emergency decree on budget transfers will be issued, as it allows for more immediate implementation following cabinet approval, subject to subsequent parliamentary endorsement.
Officials cautioned, however, that the available balance may fluctuate as projects reach their financial cut-off and disbursement stages. The expanded scheme is being introduced against the backdrop of rising living costs.
