Less than 40 million Thais expected to join digital wallet scheme

[webfact]

The Government of Thailand anticipates fewer than 40 million participants in its flagship digital wallet handout scheme, with the initial phase set to benefit 14.5 million vulnerable individuals starting yesterday, according to a Finance Ministry official.

 

Under this stimulus programme, the government plans to distribute 450 billion baht to 45 million people, with each registered participant receiving 10,000 baht to spend locally within six months.

 

Approximately 36 million people have registered for the scheme so far, with some registrations overlapping with the vulnerable groups, said Lavaron Sangsnit, the Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary.

 

“From the current data, it is expected that the number of participants in the project will not reach 40 million, which will allow for more flexibility in budget management.”

Lavaron also mentioned that there are about three million people without smartphones, which might affect their participation in the digital wallet scheme, reported Bangkok Post.

 

The second phase of the handout is anticipated to commence early next year.

 

ORIGINAL STORY: Digital wallet delay: No green light before year-end

 

The highly anticipated second phase of Thailand’s digital wallet initiative is on ice, with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira revealing that it’s unlikely to roll out before the end of the year.

 

In a brief meeting with the press today, Pichai highlighted the need for a cautious approach, stressing that factors like timing and continuity must be thoroughly evaluated before pushing ahead.

 

When quizzed about the fate of the leftover funds, Pichai hinted that the government may be eyeing alternative investments. He pointed to small-scale infrastructure projects as a potential avenue, stating that such investments could play a pivotal role in strengthening the nation’s economy and bolstering its infrastructure.

 

“The government is committed to the digital wallet initiative.”

 

However, Pichai was quick to add that long-term benefits take precedence.

 

“We must prioritise projects that will have a lasting impact on the country.”

 

While the digital wallet remains a key policy, Pichai emphasised that no decisions would be made lightly. Each investment will be scrutinised to ensure it contributes meaningfully to the nation’s development.

 

With no firm date set for the digital wallet’s second phase, the government appears to be rethinking its strategy, focusing on investments that could offer more immediate and sustainable returns for Thailand, reported The Nation.

 

by Puntid Tantivangphaisal
Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Source: The Thaiger 

-- 2024-09-17
 

 

[Tropicalevo]

4 minutes ago, webfact said:

Lavaron also mentioned that there are about three million people without smartphones, which might affect their participation in the digital wallet scheme

I would think that the real number of needy Thais without smartphones is higher than that.

Are Homeless Thais not included?

Difficult to participate in a digital wallet without a smartphone.

Edited September 17 by Tropicalevo

[2008bangkok]

I don't know what the population of Thailand is but I'll guess at 80 million so how many are actually eligable for this considering probably 1/3 are kids and another 1/3 don't need it.

So it's actually sad to see a figure of 40 million thais  that need a handout  of 10k from the government.

[watchcat]

1 hour ago, Tropicalevo said:

Are Homeless Thais not included?

 

Woudn't they need a TM 30?

[scorecard]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The Government of Thailand anticipates fewer than 40 million participants in its flagship digital wallet handout scheme, with the initial phase set to benefit 14.5 million vulnerable individuals starting yesterday, according to a Finance Ministry official.

 

Under this stimulus programme, the government plans to distribute 450 billion baht to 45 million people, with each registered participant receiving 10,000 baht to spend locally within six months.

 

Approximately 36 million people have registered for the scheme so far, with some registrations overlapping with the vulnerable groups, said Lavaron Sangsnit, the Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary.

 

“From the current data, it is expected that the number of participants in the project will not reach 40 million, which will allow for more flexibility in budget management.”

Lavaron also mentioned that there are about three million people without smartphones, which might affect their participation in the digital wallet scheme, reported Bangkok Post.

 

 

The second phase of the handout is anticipated to commence early next year.

 

ORIGINAL STORY: Digital wallet delay: No green light before year-end

 

The highly anticipated second phase of Thailand’s digital wallet initiative is on ice, with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira revealing that it’s unlikely to roll out before the end of the year.

 

In a brief meeting with the press today, Pichai highlighted the need for a cautious approach, stressing that factors like timing and continuity must be thoroughly evaluated before pushing ahead.

 

When quizzed about the fate of the leftover funds, Pichai hinted that the government may be eyeing alternative investments. He pointed to small-scale infrastructure projects as a potential avenue, stating that such investments could play a pivotal role in strengthening the nation’s economy and bolstering its infrastructure.

 

“The government is committed to the digital wallet initiative.”

 

However, Pichai was quick to add that long-term benefits take precedence.

 

“We must prioritise projects that will have a lasting impact on the country.”

 

While the digital wallet remains a key policy, Pichai emphasised that no decisions would be made lightly. Each investment will be scrutinised to ensure it contributes meaningfully to the nation’s development.

 

With no firm date set for the digital wallet’s second phase, the government appears to be rethinking its strategy, focusing on investments that could offer more immediate and sustainable returns for Thailand, reported The Nation.

 

by Puntid Tantivangphaisal
Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Source: The Thaiger 

-- 2024-09-17
 

 

 

A week back the PM said she wanted farang who are resident to also receive the 10,000Baht payment.

 

In reality I very much doubt it would get approved. 

 

Did any members see anything further on this?

[hotchilli]

So it's gone from everyone over the age of 16 to... only the vulnerable?

[watchcat]

2 minutes ago, scorecard said:

 

A week back the PM said she wanted farang who are resident to also receive the 10,000Baht payment.

 

In reality I very much doubt it would get approved. 

 

Did any members see anything further on this?

 

She's just a kid. What can you expect?

[scorecard]

Just now, watchcat said:

 

She's just a kid. What can you expect?

 

Good point, her capabilities are very simplistic, photo ops being about the only one.

[PETERTHEEATER]

A great deal of puffing about payment but no explanation as to the actual method of payout.

Older citizens already recieving the meagre monthly social security payment are already registered and payment is made into their bank account. Therefore, it is to be expected  that 'digital wallet' payments would be in the same way. But, the PM mentioned 'tranches' also the previous government blustered about vouchers, Q Codes on smart phones etc. Now they say payments to 'vulnerable' starting end or September yet no mention of how.

[bradiston]

4 hours ago, scorecard said:

 

A week back the PM said she wanted farang who are resident to also receive the 10,000Baht payment.

 

In reality I very much doubt it would get approved. 

 

Did any members see anything further on this?

I wouldn't give that any credence whatsoever. Do you have any sources? There would be riots.

 

I don't think the government has any reliable figures on any subject at all. Tourism, property purchases, prices, income tax. The various ministries just make to measure.

Edited September 17 by bradiston

[Rob Browder]

Marketing it as "just for the poor," at first, is a good tactic - as it lowers the cost below the massive-debt (or spending cuts) which would otherwise be required, and allows the program to begin operation without seeming threatening (track, trace, and control your spending) to most.

[redwood1]

9 hours ago, scorecard said:

 

A week back the PM said she wanted farang who are resident to also receive the 10,000Baht payment.

 

In reality I very much doubt it would get approved. 

 

Did any members see anything further on this?

 

Very good idea to give farangs money.......

 

But 10,000 not going to cut it for expats......I think we need at least 100,000 baht each.....So we can really stimulate the economy in Nana plaza and Walking Street..

[bkknirvana]

UBI is a trap.

[stoutfella]

Why does everybody's life have to be ruled by a "smartphone"