Ex-Commissioner Warns of Legal Risks in Cash Handout Scheme

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: TNA-MCOT

 

A former election commissioner raised concerns over the Thai government's 10,000-baht (£230) cash handout scheme, labelling it as potentially illegal.

 

With 4 million elderly Thais set to receive funds during Chinese New Year, only days before provincial administrative organisation elections, the timing has raised eyebrows.

 

Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, a noted figure in Thai politics, highlighted on social media that the government's justification for the scheme - identifying all those aged 60 and above as vulnerable - is problematic.

 

He argued this broad classification is a strategic manoeuvre to distribute budget funds without attracting allegations of electioneering.

 

This handout is set for 29 January, just ahead of 1 February elections, prompting Mr Somchai to predict that formal challenges will ensue, citing a violation of the State Fiscal and Financial Disciplines Act BE 2561 (2018).

 

According to the Act, government actions should not focus primarily on gaining political popularity at the expense of economic stability.

Criticism also came from Niphon Bunyamanee, ex-PAO chief and Democrat Party member, who dismissed claims that the cash injections would stimulate the economy.

 

He described the scheme as governmental promotion, advantaging Pheu Thai-affiliated candidates in the run-up to elections.

 

Bunyamanee urged the government to shift towards long-term economic strategies, such as enhancing investment in digital technology and AI skills, fostering employment, and increasing productivity.

 

Further legal opposition was hinted at by former senator Somchai Sawangkarn, who foresaw contravention of the country's fiscal laws.

 

The contentious handout scheme, inherently tied to political gain allegations, highlights ongoing debates over fiscal responsibility and ethical governance in the lead-up to local Thai elections, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-11-22

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

He described the scheme as governmental promotion, advantaging Pheu Thai-affiliated candidates in the run-up to elections.

Who would have guessed.

[BrandonJT]

They already ran this through the courts and got a pass.  Now they're going to milk it for as long as possible.

[loong]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

This handout is set for 29 January, just ahead of 1 February elections,

Start the handout on 02 February, simple!

[jcmj]

They should never give a lump sum. It will be gone in a couple of days. Better to just increase their monthly allowance. MIL receives 800 baht a month then get taxed on that so around 750 per month. Pathetic. 

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

With 4 million elderly Thais set to receive funds during Chinese New Year, only days before provincial administrative organisation elections, the timing has raised eyebrows.

The blue rinse brigade will respond accordingly... unfortunately that's not always the right way.

[hotchilli]

1 hour ago, loong said:

Start the handout on 02 February, simple!

They will borrow on the 28th and pay back in the new year

[RichardColeman]

3 hours ago, jcmj said:

They should never give a lump sum. It will be gone in a couple of days. Better to just increase their monthly allowance

I'd go further than that - pay it in vouchers for certain shops - not cash