Today, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed a landmark decision to bolster the economy: a one-off 10,000 baht cash handout for welfare cardholders and disabled individuals. This initiative, part of a broader economic stimulus package, is scheduled to start on September 25, 2024, with the government allocating an estimated total of 145 billion baht for the programme.

 

The plan, set to benefit approximately 12.41 million welfare recipients and about 2.15 million individuals with disabilities, gained approval from key regulatory bodies, including the Office of the Council of State, the Bank of Thailand, and the National Economic and Social Development Council, ensuring its legal standing.

 

 

 

 

In addressing possible concerns about the initiative's economic impact, the Prime Minister expressed optimism. She highlighted that these initial cash transfers, aimed at society's most vulnerable, are likely to see high levels of immediate spending, thereby driving economic stimulation effectively. Further details on the second phase of the government's digital wallet project will be elucidated by the Ministry of Finance in due course.

 

This direct financial aid comes at a crucial time, aiming to provide much-needed relief and encourage consumer spending, potentially setting a positive ripple effect through the economy.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-09-17

 

 

just waiting to see how they spin this if it fails. i am surprised they did not wait for the casinos to open

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The plan, set to benefit approximately 12.41 million welfare recipients and about 2.15 million individuals with disabilities, gained approval from key regulatory bodies, including the Office of the Council of State, the Bank of Thailand, and the National Economic and Social Development Council, ensuring its legal standing.

About time too... but what happened to the original promise of everyone over 16 years of age?

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

About time too... but what happened to the original promise of everyone over 16 years of age?

Maybe some common sense kicked in ?
Means tested disbursement targeting the poorest seems reasonable to me. 

There should be a surge in cigarette, alcohol, and lottery sales very soon.

36 minutes ago, realfunster said:

Maybe some common sense kicked in ?
Means tested disbursement targeting the poorest seems reasonable to me. 

The initial idea was to kick start the economy... so surely more the better...

not just the means tested poor.

In related news, medical equipment retailers have reported an upsurge in the sales of wheelchairs and Zimmer frames. 😋

Now if only the disabled could have access to use footpaths and banks, they may be able to access the money. 

I noticed a lot of mainly oldies outside the omsin gsbank KTB and the BAAC in my Amphur town today. I was told this is for the oldies without the phones and they’re getting the money on the 30th, this month. There was a big announcement on the loudspeakers yesterday, presumably that was it. No indication of any restrictions on what the money is spent on as was envisaged in the earlier entirely digital scheme.