Thailand launches Thai Help Thai x Local Low Cost scheme to slash living costs

The Thai government, through the Ministry of Commerce, is launching the “Thai Help Thai x Local Low Cost” initiative from 1–15 August 2026. The programme will involve more than 800 branches of over 130 local wholesale and retail shop networks across the country.

Participating stores will sell essential consumer goods – such as rice, fish sauce and seasoning sauces – at discounts of up to 60 % to ease household expenses. The scheme also seeks to open new sales channels for small‑and‑medium enterprises (SMEs) and community producers, linking them directly with consumers via the local‑shop network.

An opening ceremony is scheduled for 1 August at the Tangkhi Superstore (Nadi branch) in Udon Thani. Officials say the initiative aims to keep money circulating within provincial and community economies while providing short‑term relief for consumers and longer‑term growth opportunities for small‑scale entrepreneurs.