BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s telecom regulator has outlined a plan to provide affordable high-speed internet to more than 14 million welfare card holders pending cabinet approval.
NBTC readies ‘Net Khon La Khrueng’ project
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) prepared a new support scheme named ‘Net Khon La Khrueng’, scheduled for consideration before the end of 2025. According to government spokeswoman Airin Phanrit, the initiative would supply 40 gigabytes of high-speed internet per month to eligible citizens for a period of three months, at a capped participation fee of 160 baht per month.
Financing for the scheme would come from the Universal Service Obligation Fund, which supports access to digital services in underdeveloped regions.
“This initiative aims to reduce the digital divide and create equal opportunities in education, employment, and access to government online services,”
said Airin Phanrit, Government Spokeswoman.
“It is a vital step toward a sustainable digital society and strengthens rural economies.”
said Airin Phanrit, Government Spokeswoman.
The NBTC plans to work with major mobile operators nationwide to offer special packages under the program once cabinet approval is granted.
Co-payment scheme shows continuing fiscal support
In parallel, the Ministry of Finance reported progress on its ongoing co-payment scheme, ‘Khon La Khrueng Plus’, aimed at boosting domestic consumption. The ministry recorded over 19 million participants spending 37.93 billion baht at registered merchants across the country as of Friday.
Winij Wisetsuwanaphoom, Director of the Fiscal Policy Office, confirmed that spending under the program would remain open until 31 December, with transactions allowed daily from 06:00 to 23:00 through the G-Wallet on the state Pao Tang app.
The ministry reported 931,311 registered vendors, of whom 711,638 participants had already fully used their subsidies. The eligible spending categories include food, services, haircuts, and public transport, while exclusions apply to:
- Lottery tickets
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Gift cards and cash vouchers
- Prepaid services
Economic inclusion through digital policy
The government’s twin policies — the internet subsidy and the co-payment program — form part of a broader national strategy to achieve economic stability and digital inclusion. Officials expect that, with cabinet endorsement of the ‘Net Khon La Khrueng’ project, Thailand will move closer to achieving countrywide digital access and equitable growth, especially in rural areas.