File photo for reference only

 

The Thai Restaurant Association (TRA) is pushing for a co-payment scheme to tackle the nation's economic downturn, affecting over 700,000 restaurants. With Anutin Charnvirakul soon to take office as Prime Minister, the TRA is set to submit a petition urging the government to ease living costs and provide much-needed relief for the country's food industry.

 

Thaniwan Kulmongkol, President of the TRA, has highlighted the severe impact on the restaurant industry since early 2025, with survey results pointing to significant challenges for operators across Thailand. Sales have plummeted between 25% and 50% compared to the previous year, as confirmed by data from major food delivery platforms.

 

Faced with these difficulties, many small operators are struggling, with closures on the rise. Those still in operation are cutting staff and reducing hours to cope with the economic slump. Feedback from both restaurant owners and consumers suggests that a co-payment scheme could provide the necessary boost to household spending and local economies.

 

The proposed co-payment scheme aims to stimulate local economies by generating revenue for small and medium-sized restaurants while revitalising local food supply chains. This would not only benefit restaurant operators but also have a ripple effect on farmers, wholesalers, logistics providers, and workers across various sectors.

 

“With Anutin about to assume office as Prime Minister, we hope his government will address the economic challenges and improve quality of life,” Thaniwan expressed. She urged the new administration to implement a well-budgeted co-payment scheme prioritising small and local businesses, with digital systems ensuring transparency and efficiency.

 

While the immediate focus is on addressing the urgent economic needs, the TRA emphasises the importance of long-term sustainability for the restaurant sector. The association is committed to collaborating with government policies to maximise public and economic benefits.

 

In parallel with these efforts, the TRA, supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), plans to launch the “Thai Curry & Rice Global Challenge.” This initiative aims to celebrate and internationally spotlight Bangkok's curry-and-rice shops, preserving and promoting this quintessential component of Thai cuisine as part of the nation’s cultural heritage.

 

Curry and rice have played a vital role in Thai dining for generations, particularly popular in the central and southern regions. The initiative hopes to rekindle global interest in these dishes, attracting more culinary tourists to Thailand. For many visitors, tasting authentic Thai curry and rice remains a must-have cultural experience.

 

“The co-payment scheme would serve as both a gift and a source of hope for consumers while providing a lifeline for restaurant operators to survive and move forward during these challenging economic times,” Thaniwan concluded.

 

The TRA’s proactive approach, coupled with their promotional efforts through the Thai Curry & Rice Global Challenge, reflects a strategic plan to boost both the local food sector and Thailand's cultural appeal internationally. As the nation looks towards a new leadership, the future of Thai dining and its economic stability hangs in the balance, waiting for governmental action.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-09-08

 

 

Co-payment on restaurants because of less customers, you know your economy is up the Swanny without a paddle.

i get the individual struggles.. however short term co payment does not help but simply puts a band aid on that will fester

So how does this co-payment scheme work? I don't see any details.
Do they mean that they expect the government to subsidise restaurants?
If they are not getting enough customers, maybe they should consider what to do to make people want to go to their establishment.

Eating out is a major part of Thai life. If they don't have enough customers, it is probably because.
The food is too expensive.
The food is not good.
The portions are too measly.

The service is atrocious.

The establishment is boring/noisy/dirty.

Cook has finger up nose.
There are too many restaurants for the customer base.

What's next, the bars will want subsidies?

Way too many bars and restaurants here.

 

 

 

Kinda a good idea, but too socialist, and we know the funds set to help lagging restaurants will just disappear.

1 hour ago, loong said:

So how does this co-payment scheme work? I don't see any details.
Do they mean that they expect the government to subsidise restaurants?
If they are not getting enough customers, maybe they should consider what to do to make people want to go to their establishment.

Eating out is a major part of Thai life. If they don't have enough customers, it is probably because.
The food is too expensive.
The food is not good.
The portions are too measly.

The service is atrocious.

The establishment is boring/noisy/dirty.

Cook has finger up nose.
There are too many restaurants for the customer base.

… effectively that is (a state funded subsidy) what they’re looking for..  and of course the other half of that would be how does the government pay for that subsidy? 
 

I agree that in many cases there’s some “self-inflicted” issues that are hurting their business - be that service, portions, cleanliness, productivity etc - that are fairly controllable.

 

For me, the other issue I would have is this. IF your business expects to benefit from or partake in this kind of government funded subsidy, then I’d want to see proof that you’ve been paying the appropriate taxes - which is a part in how these programs are funded to begin with. 

But the baht continues to strengthen

So much for free enterprise and creative destruction.  The owners will lecture their employees about risk/reward to suppress wages, then, in the same breath, ask the government to subsidize their business.   Sounds like Boeing and Air Canada have entered the Thai restaurant scene. 

Too many restaurants, not enough customers.

 

But maybe some restaurant owners are following the CP Model - put a 711 on every corner, and customers will come.

I demand co-payment on my wife's home made bows.

8 minutes ago, JimHuaHin said:

Too many restaurants, not enough customers.

 

But maybe some restaurant owners are following the CP Model - put a 711 on every corner, and customers will come.

You've nailed it, open a road si stall for 1500 Baht, sell on Mama noodle a day and claim 10k a month.

 

Who wants to pay Income tax in this place?