Bangkok: The "Thai Helps Thai" campaign is achieving significant success, with more than 33.7 million baht circulating across the nation. The initiative, aimed at reducing living expenses for citizens, has successfully saved the public over 7.4 million baht. On its inaugural day, the campaign saw participation from over 280,000 individuals.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed that the "Thai Helps Thai, Reduce the Burden of Living" project, which is executed through district offices nationwide, has garnered an overwhelming response since day one. A total of 283,894 participants were recorded, covering 878 districts across 76 provinces, excluding Bangkok.
As of May 1, 2026, at 10:45 PM, more than 12,491 shops have joined the initiative, offering a variety of 249,515 items for sale. These items encompass essential daily necessities, OTOP (One Tambon One Product) products, and items from small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Economically, the project has generated over 33,738,292.45 baht in circulating funds and has significantly reduced the public's living costs by more than 7,429,275 baht. This reflects the policy's effectiveness in providing direct benefits to the populace.
The top five provinces with the highest spending in the campaign are Surin with 1,192,891 baht, Nakhon Ratchasima with 1,167,683 baht, Chiang Mai with 1,057,660 baht, Khon Kaen with 1,056,944 baht, and Yala with 836,991 baht. Kabang District in Yala Province recorded the highest spending value at 468,956 baht.
In terms of product categories, essential goods remain highly sought after, with modern trade retailers reporting the highest sales in cooking oil, eggs, cleaning products, and rice. Meanwhile, OTOP and SME products continue to gain traction among consumers.
Ms. Lalida emphasized that the "Thai Helps Thai" project is a pivotal government strategy to alleviate living costs and invigorate the grassroots economy by integrating producers, entrepreneurs, and the public within a cohesive system. "This initiative goes beyond offering low-cost goods; it's about sustaining economic circulation within communities, providing income for entrepreneurs, and ensuring access to essential goods at genuinely affordable prices," stated Ms. Lalida.
The government plans to further extend the project to cover all regions, aiming to foster long-term economic stability for the citizens.