Academics pointed out that this phrasing transforms the image of “state expenditure” into a kind of “personal promise”, intended to persuade eligible voters.
Examining “Anutin’s” remark regarding the Khon La Khrueng Plus scheme after social media questioned whether it was campaign messaging.
On December 24, 2025, Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of Bhumjaithai Party, announced policies for the 2026 general election. One of the projects he mentioned was the Khon La Khrueng Plus stimulus. He stated: “The Khon La Khrueng Plus scheme— of course, I know well that I still owe the people 2,400 baht each. So please allow me the chance to repay you. Let the Bhumjaithai Party return [to power] and settle this debt for you. Absolutely, this project will come back bigger and better — with the word ‘plus’ added. Soon you will hear more economic policies presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas.”
Image of Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of Bhumjaithai Party, delivering the party’s policy announcement on December 24, 2025.
After this issue was circulated on social media, it sparked criticism, such as claims that the project sounded like giving away his own money, or that it was actually using taxpayers’ money. In addition, some comments questioned whether state funds were being used for electioneering to benefit his own party. Thai PBS Verify, therefore, examined Anutin Charnvirakul’s remarks about the Khon La Khrueng Plus stimulus, investigating the source of the funds and the timeline of the project.
Where does the funding for the Khon La Khrueng Plus scheme come from?
Previously, Mr. Paradorn Prisananantakul, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office and responsible for overseeing the Budget Bureau, explained that the funds used for the Khon La Khrueng Plus scheme amount to no more than 44 billion baht. This can be divided into two parts:
- From the central emergency reserve budget for fiscal year 2025, about 22 billion baht.
- From the 2026 project budget, about 19 billion baht, which the Cabinet approved on October 7, 2025.
Timeline of the Khon La Khrueng Plus stimulus
After Anutin Charnvirakul took office in September 2025, the Khon La Khrueng Plus policy was kicked off as follows:
September 25, 2025: The Minister of Finance prepared to propose the Khon La Khrueng Plus scheme to the Cabinet in the second week of October, with registration expected to open immediately and spending to begin from late October through December 2025.
September 30, 2025: The Cabinet approved an increase in welfare benefits for holders of the state welfare card in 2025, from 300 baht to an additional 1,700 baht, paid in two installments. The amount could be withdrawn in cash. The Bank of Thailand assessed that the Khon La Khrueng Plus scheme might stimulate the economy by less than 0.4% of GDP, since it was a cash measure that did not generate new jobs or income.
October 1, 2025: The Minister of Finance stated that the proposal would be submitted to the Cabinet within the week, with the first day of eligibility set for October 29, 2025.
October 7, 2025: The Cabinet approved the Khon La Khrueng Plus scheme, opening 20 million slots for citizens to spend during October–November. It was expected to stimulate the economy by around 0.3–0.4% of GDP.
October 15, 2025: First day of merchant registration, requiring submission of documents at the Ministry of Interior and all Krungthai Bank branches.
October 29, 2025: The Khon La Khrueng Plus scheme officially opened for citizens to begin spending.
October 31, 2025: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) launched an inquiry into the transfer of 35 billion baht from five state-owned specialized financial institutions (SFIs) to fund the digital wallet project without setting aside a compensation budget, raising concerns about fiscal discipline.
November 3, 2025: The Prime Minister ordered the continuation of the Khon La Khrueng Plus scheme, focusing on vulnerable groups who might otherwise be left out.
November 17, 2025: The Minister of Finance stated that the second phase of the Khon La Khrueng Plus Scheme was under discussion regarding the budget framework, and that the central budget might also be used. Clarity was expected by December 2025.
November 18, 2025: The Cabinet approved a skills development project (Upskill/Reskill) for merchants participating in the Khon La Khrueng Plus scheme, aimed at encouraging business improvement and enhancing competitiveness.
What is the current situation of the Khon La Khrueng Plus Scheme Phase 2 project?
The government spokesperson confirmed that the second phase of the Khon La Khrueng Plus scheme cannot proceed, as the government is currently in a caretaker status and, after discussions with the Election Commission, determined that it cannot implement new projects that commit budget expenditures. The spokesperson also rejected allegations from Pheu Thai Party, stating they were not true. He pointed out that Pheu Thai’s 10,000-baht cash handout project had already been suspended by the previous government, as it was considered less necessary than infrastructure investment and lacked budgetary support. In comparison, the Khon La Khrueng Plus scheme requires less funding, stimulates the economy more directly, spreads benefits more widely, and delivers longer-term effects than a one-time large cash giveaway.
“A Chance to repay the debt” : a Khon La Khrueng Plus campaign strategy
Dr. Purawit Watanasuk, lecturer at the Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University, views Anutin Charnvirakul’s communication about the Khon La Khrueng Plus scheme as part of his election campaign. He notes that Anutin used phrases such as “Give me the chance to repay my debt” to capture the emotions and sentiments of the public.
Dr. Purawit Watanasuk, lecturer at the Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University
“In reality, a project of this kind uses the national budget funded by taxpayers, not personal money. If Bhumjaithai Party returns to lead the government, the Khon La Khrueng Plus scheme will remain under the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance and could continue. Supposed Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas still oversees the Ministry of Finance, which uses the central budget already allocated in the 2026 fiscal year, the new government cannot significantly alter the core of this year’s budget and can only spend within the existing framework.
“In fact, policy changes or new budget allocations only occurs in the process of drafting the 2027 budget, which will begin around May 2027 after the new government takes office.”
What is the truth?
In his communication, Anutin Charnvirakul used the phrase: “I still owe the people 2,400 baht… Please give me the chance to repay this debt.” Upon examination, the following facts were found:
- A lecturer from the Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University, analyzed that this is the use of “political rhetoric” aimed at appealing to emotions and feelings, in order to build “a personal bond” and persuade eligible voters for Bhumjaithai Party to return as the government leader again.
- The budget already existing within the legal framework: From an administrative perspective, the 2026 fiscal year budget has already been prepared. If Bhumjaithai Party or a new government takes office, the project can continue immediately under the existing budget framework. It does not need to be framed as a “personal debt repayment,” but rather as the management of the budget in accordance with the principles previously approved by the Cabinet on October 7, 2025.
