Khon La Khrueng Plus Aims to Support Small Businesses and Ease Living Costs
Phuket officials have rolled out the Khon La Khrueng Plus (Half-Half Payment) scheme to provide financial relief and boost local spending, yet early participation has been slower than anticipated. The initiative, which began accepting registrations on October 15, offers 50% government subsidies on eligible purchases to help reduce the cost of living and stimulate economic activity among small merchants.
Merchants can register through the Tung Ngern system—either online or at Krungthai Bank branches across the island. According to official data, 52.1% of applications were submitted online, highlighting the growing preference for digital registration.
However, participation numbers remain modest, with only 22 merchants in Mueang District, 13 in Thalang, and 11 in Kathu signing up on launch day, despite extensive outreach efforts such as the “Phuket 120 Days Nonstop” campaign.
Officials Encourage Wider Participation Among Local Vendors
To boost engagement, Kathu District Chief Akkaraphon Suthirak Chittsuphap and Senior Officer Thamrong Chuay-akson personally visited Si Kor Fresh Market to promote the scheme and assist vendors with on-site registration.
“The Khon La Khrueng Plus project is a key government measure to reduce the cost of living for residents and stimulate local spending. We will continue promoting the programme to ensure every shop and community can benefit fully,” said officials.
Mobile Registration Points to Improve Access
To make registration more accessible, authorities have scheduled mobile sign-up points across Phuket throughout October.
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October 15–17: Provincial Hall, Kathu, and Thalang District Offices
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October 20–22: Rawai and Karon areas
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October 24: Mai Khao, Sala Phikun Thong
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October 27: Pa Khlok Subdistrict Municipality
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October 28: Kamala Child Development Centre
These mobile units are expected to make it easier for small business owners in remote areas to join the programme.
Eligibility and Verification Requirements
The co-payment scheme is open exclusively to Thai nationals who operate independently owned small businesses with annual revenues below 1.8 million baht. Franchises and vendors previously suspended from participation are not eligible.
Before activation, all applications must be verified by district offices and approved by Krungthai Bank through the Tung Ngern app. The bank has also reminded participants to update their Pao Tang app and confirm their personal details if needed.
Officials assured merchants that no registration data will be shared with the Revenue Department, emphasizing privacy and encouraging more businesses to participate.
Optimism for Growth in Coming Weeks
Despite the slow start, local authorities remain confident that registrations will increase as more merchants become aware of the benefits. The government continues to promote the scheme as a crucial step toward economic recovery and community-level support across Phuket.
