NONTHABURI — 1 May 2026, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Thursday launched the “Thai Helps Thai” scheme aimed at easing living costs, visiting a market in Nonthaburi where discounted goods drew crowds on the first day.
At 11:00, Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, toured stalls at Bang Yai City Market alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthamphan and other officials, inspecting and purchasing household essentials including cooking oil, rice and instant noodles.
The programme, a joint effort by the Commerce and Interior ministries, offers goods at below-market prices across more than 800 districts nationwide, with mobile trucks set to distribute items to local communities.
During the visit, a local lawmaker from the opposition People’s Party, Sutthat Meesiri, helped push the prime minister’s shopping trolley. Anutin called him over and said the effort should not be seen in partisan terms, adding that “people are helping one another,” before posing for photographs together.
Reporters noted that despite hot weather, hundreds of shoppers and vendors gathered at the market. One vendor voiced frustration over economic hardship, questioning whether officials had “earned enough” and urging them to share more support with struggling citizens.
Anutin sampled local foods, including fish curry, durian and ice cream, and bought fruit and ornamental fish, some of which he gave to a child at the market.
He also made phone calls to officials in four provinces, Songkhla, Si Sa Ket, Trat and Chiang Mai, to check on the scheme’s rollout, urging local authorities to ensure adequate supply and fair pricing.
Speaking to reporters, Anutin said the initiative aims to reduce household expenses by providing everyday goods at lower prices without compromising quality, noting that savings come from reduced branding and marketing costs rather than lower production standards.
The prime minister arrived at the event in an electric vehicle and drew attention from onlookers, some of whom gathered to photograph the car’s licence plate.