Thailand's Finance Ministry is evaluating a 1-2 month extension of the 'Thai Helps Thai Plus' consumer subsidy program after merchants requested continuation. Deputy PM Ekniti confirmed sufficient budget remains and a decision will come within 2-3 weeks. The government is also introducing AI tools to help smaller merchants compete and build sustained sales capacity beyond the program itself, aiming to address imbalances where large retailers captured 70-80% of previous subsidy benefits.