Bangkok: The Prime Minister has mandated the Ministry of Interior to bolster the “Half-Half Plus” scheme, urging shops and OTOP businesses to engage with the project.

According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has tasked the Ministry of Interior with ensuring the successful implementation of the “Half-Half Plus” project. The Prime Minister has instructed provincial authorities to expedite public relations efforts and encourage shopkeepers and OTOP businesses to register for the initiative.

Siripong Angkasakulkiat, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, stated that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized the need for the Ministry of Interior to actively support the project and provide updates on its progress. Provinces have been directed to intensify public relations campaigns and invite entrepreneurs and shop owners to participate in the scheme.

District and local administrative organizations are requested to collaborate with Krungthai Bank Public Company Limited to deploy mobile service units that facilitate the registration of shop owners at the community level. This initiative aims to encompass all groups of shops and increase participation in the project.

Provincial and district community development offices have been urged to involve OTOP shop owners in the scheme, enhancing distribution channels for OTOP products to invigorate the community economy. Weekly OTOP product markets at provincial and district offices are recommended as a means to stimulate local commerce.

Merchants participating in the program are to be informed that the Ministry of Finance, through the Fiscal Policy Office, will not forward transaction data to the Revenue Department for income verification purposes. Provincial administrative offices are required to submit electronic reports on project publicity outcomes every Friday, starting on November 7, 2025, until the project’s conclusion.

“The Half-Half Plus program is a project the government is proud to implement for the Thai people. We want the public and small business owners to have the most access to benefits. Regarding the Ministry of Interior’s measures, the government believes that the agencies under its supervision are ready to provide services with full willingness, in accordance with the Prime Minister’s directives and the government’s policy to drive the local economy,” remarked Mr. Siripong.