Small gains amid weak spending
Consumers browse food options at a Bang Kapi market as they decide what to order. Smaller vendors participating in the co-payment scheme saw average sales increase by 10% compared with the period before the subsidy. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)
As the government's "Thai Chuay Thai Plus" co-payment scheme approaches its halfway point, industry associations view its impact as minimal.Somchai Pornrattanacharoen, honorary advisor to the Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Association, said small retailers participating in the scheme could see sales rise by up to 50% during the programme.
However, non-participating small operators may see sales decline by around 50%, while VAT-registered businesses could also see sales fall from normal levels.
This means the sales increase among participating retailers largely reflects a redistribution of spending rather than an increase in overall consumption.
