Report Thai Cabinet to Discuss Third Phase of 10,000 Baht Handout Scheme

[snoop1130]

Photo of Thai people queuing to receive their 10,000 handout, courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The Thai Cabinet is set to debate the third phase of the government's 10,000 baht handout at its upcoming meeting, scheduled for a rollout between May and June. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has confirmed that the plans remain on track. This latest phase aims to distribute financial aid to approximately 2.7 million Thai citizens aged 16 to 20 via digital wallets.

 

Previously, similar handouts were distributed to welfare cardholders, individuals with disabilities, and senior citizens aged 60 and above through PromptPay. Julapun reported smooth progress in integrating the necessary technical systems across financial institutions and government bodies.

 

However, the programme's effectiveness is under scrutiny, as economists argue that earlier phases did not significantly enhance consumer spending. This contention is echoed by recent political challenges, with critics petitioning the National Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate reallocating 35 billion baht from the 2025 fiscal budget to fund these handouts. The petition suggests that these funds, originally intended for debt repayment, may have been unlawfully redirected.

 

Julapun defended the programme, asserting that the budgetary procedures adhered to legal standards. He clarified that the reallocated funds were distinct from those allocated for public debt servicing and interest payments. "As a budget committee member, I confirm that the budget approval was comprehensive and lawful," he stated.

 

 

 

While acknowledging petitioners' rights to seek clarification, Julapun indicated that a decision from the Constitutional Court is pending. He also highlighted concerns regarding Thailand's revised GDP growth forecast, which the World Bank recently downgraded from 2.6% to 1.6%. This revision is partly attributed to uncertainties in US trade and tariff policies.

 

Julapun emphasized the ongoing complexities in global trade dynamics and mentioned that the final GDP estimate would only be reviewed after the completion of tariff negotiations. The Fiscal Policy Office is expected to deliver updated economic forecasts shortly. "The key concern is the broader impact of global trade imbalances on various economies," he noted.

 

As discussions progress, the government's economic strategies, including this handout programme, are poised to face rigorous evaluation amid evolving domestic and international economic landscapes.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-30

 

 

[Pouatchee]

did it work the first time?

 

33 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

As a budget committee member, I confirm that the budget approval was comprehensive and lawful," he stated.

 

and a man can be a woman...