Co-pay scheme misses markA newly elected government following through on its campaign promises is usually a cause for praise. However, the Anutin Charnvirakul administration's vow to resurrect its flagship "Khon La Khrueng Plus" or Half-and-Half co-payment scheme is instead being met with trepidation. An effort to stimulate consumption like the Half-and-Half scheme may be useful to jumpstart the economy but will fail to address structural challenges like shrinking productivity, an ageing workforce or middle income trap. This inadequate understanding is perhaps best illustrated by the PM's recent suggestion that the public save on energy to fund the Half-and-Half copayment. Would the billions earmarked for the Half-and-Half scheme be better held in reserve?

Source: Bangkok Post April 05, 2026 00:24 UTC