Bangkok: Police warn that exchanging “Half-Half Plus” privileges for cash without actual trading constitutes fraud. The Royal Thai Police warn that exchanging “Half-Half Plus” privileges for cash without actual transactions constitutes fraud and carries a penalty of up to three years imprisonment and a 60,000 baht fine.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Maj. Gen. Siriwat Deepo, deputy spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, revealed that Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanpetch, the national police chief, is concerned about members of the public who may unknowingly commit crimes by misusing their rights under the “Half-Half Plus” program. This is because, from October 29, 2025, to December 31, 2025, the government, led by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, launched the “Half-Half Plus” program to provide assistance and alleviate the cost of living amid the economic slowdown. This program provides a budget for essential consumer goods.
In the past (between 2020 and 2021) of the “Half-Half” program, some individuals and merchants have been found to have misused their rights, exchanging their rights for cash, or colluding in the exercise of rights without actually purchasing goods. This constitutes “false representation” and constitutes a crime of “fraud” under Section 341 of the Criminal Code, punishable by imprisonment not exceeding three years, a fine not exceeding 60,000 baht, or both. They may also be prohibited from participating in other government programs and face restitution to the government.
The Royal Thai Police therefore caution members of the public who have received the “Half-Half Plus” privilege to not resell these privileges to others or use them without actually purchasing or selling the products, as this constitutes a violation of the law.
If the public encounters such behavior, they can report any corruption information to the hotline 191 or the Royal Thai Police hotline 1599, 24 hours a day.