Mr. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce, revealed that on November 18, 2025, the Cabinet approved an upskilling or reskilling project for merchants participating in the "Kon La Khrueng Plus" program. This project builds on the "Kon La Khrueng Plus" program and aims to encourage and motivate merchants to develop their businesses through learning essential skills, particularly in business, trading, online marketing, sales promotion, and the application of artificial intelligence. For example, the Department of Business Development has prepared five online courses designed to equip small business owners and SMEs participating in the Half-Half Plus program with essential skills. These courses include: 1) Starting a Business for New SMEs, focusing on basic business planning and management; 2) E-Commerce Marketing, teaching techniques for selling products and services online; 3) Digital Marketing, a course on increasing sales and reaching customers using digital tools; 4) AI: Changing the Business Game, Transforming Thai SMEs into Growth; emphasizing the application of artificial intelligence technology to reduce costs and increase efficiency; and 5) Paths to Success in the Restaurant Business, providing in-depth strategies specific to food and beverage operators (including entering food delivery platforms).

Merchants in the Half-Half Plus program can apply and attend the training from November 19, 2025, to December 19, 2025, via https://dbdacademy.dbd.go.th/ 24/7. Store owners must attend the training in person throughout the course. Pre-tests and post-tests are required. The following conditions apply: 1. Select one of five online training courses. If the pre-test score is 100% (full score) for that course, the merchant is not considered to have successfully completed upskilling/reskilling. The student must select another course. 2. The test scores considered to have successfully completed skill development are: 1) a post-test score of at least 70%, and 2) a post-test score higher than the pre-test score.

The first 400,000 merchants that meet the skills development criteria and conditions on a first-come, first-served basis will receive a government subsidy of 20% of their sales generated from the "Half-Half Plus" program, with government co-payment only. This subsidy is valid from the date the merchant successfully completed skill development until December 19, 2025, up to a maximum of 2,000 baht per merchant. As part of upgrading digital and artificial intelligence skills for Thais in line with the government's Quick Big Win policy, the Ministry of Finance will announce eligible recipients on December 23, 2025, via a message on the "Tung Ngern" application and SMS. Support will be transferred to merchants via Krungthai Bank accounts linked to the "Tung Ngern" application on December 25, 2025.

Director-General Poonpong concluded by stating that this project represents the most effective use of budget funds. It not only stimulates short-term consumption but also "arms" entrepreneurs with sustainable knowledge, enabling them to adapt and thrive in the digital age. Entrepreneurs participating in the "Kon La Khrueng Plus" program and wishing to upskill/reskill their skills through the courses listed above with the Department of Business Development can apply and attend classes at https://dbdacademy.dbd.go.th/ or www.dbd.go.th >> DBD e-learning from November 19, 2025, to December 19, 2025.

For more information, please contact: Business Service Division, Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce. Tel. 0 2547 5963 or Call Center 1570 #SuperDBD #Department of Business Development #Ministry of Commerce

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