Thai Pm Says Digital Wallet Scheme Will Spur Jobs and Manufacturing
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Thursday that the Thai government's flagship 500 billion baht ($13.8 billion) "digital wallet" handout scheme will spur job creation and stimulate underdeveloped provinces and regions.
Thailand's PM announced a $13.8 billion "digital wallet" scheme aimed at stimulating job creation and development in underdeveloped areas. Despite criticism, the plan aims to distribute 10,000 baht to 50 million Thais, starting in Q4 pending funding sources.
Some minor changes to the policy reflect public opinion, he said in a speech to parliament, adding the government planned to announce all the details of the policy on July 24.
Srettha did not mention the total budget cost of the policy in his speech. On Wednesday, a deputy finance minister said that based on past experience there might be a take-up rate of about 90 per cent, which meant the scheme could cost around 450 billion baht.
Two former central bank governors and economists have criticised the plan as fiscally irresponsible, but the government has rejected those arguments. "You are able to diagnose the issues, but the solution is unclear," said opposition lawmaker Sirikanya Tansakul in response to the Prime Minister's speech.
Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
