PM Declines to Confirm Reduction of Phase 2 Cash Giveaway to 5,000 Baht

[webfact]

FILE - Thailand's Prime Minister-designate Paetongtarn Shinawatra, with members of Pheu Thai party talks to reporters during a press conference at Pheu Thai party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has sparked uncertainty by refusing to confirm whether the second phase of the 10,000 baht cash handout will be reduced to 5,000 baht. The cash giveaway was initially intended to support over 30 million people.

 

Addressing reporters at Government House today, Paetongtarn said, "Wait a bit, wait for the Treasury Department to confirm. There are options, if I explain now it (the explanation) would be too short."

 

She suggested that a more detailed statement might follow after the cabinet meeting.

 

The cash handout is a populist measure initiated by the Pheu Thai Party to provide financial relief. As of last Wednesday, some 14.5 million farmers and other individuals in vulnerable categories received the initial 10,000 baht grant in full.

The Prime Minister also did not confirm rumours regarding potential defections of key political figures to the Pheu Thai Party. When questioned about Palang Pracharath deputy leader Mr. Santi Promphat and party director Mr. Warathep Rattanakorn's possible crossover, she simply smiled and remained silent.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai added that he only learned of these rumours through newspapers and mentioned that no formal discussions had occurred with the aforementioned politicians, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

This development follows last month's political shake-up when renegade MP Thammanat Prompao led an exodus of 20 MPs from Palang Pracharath to support the Pheu Thai-led government, potentially impacting future legislative dynamics.

 

The local community remains attentive to any further announcements regarding the cash giveaway. Residents and analysts alike are keenly aware of the broader economic and political implications such measures might entail. For now, they await the Government's definitive stance on Phase 2 of the handout programme.

 

As the situation unfolds, the government's next steps will be closely monitored, with upcoming cabinet meetings expected to shed light on the final decision.

 

-- 2024-09-27