Economy PM Paetongtarn Signals Doubts Over Next Handout Phase

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Money and Banking

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced on Tuesday that crucial revisions are necessary in the government's prominent money handout scheme.

 

The revisions are spurred by the impending impact of US President Donald Trump's tariff policies on the global economy. After a cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister stated that various opinions are being gathered to re-evaluate the project's effectiveness under the new economic circumstances.

 

Advisory input from the National Economic and Social Development Council and the Bank of Thailand has been highlighted as critical in deciding the scheme's future.

 

These agencies have stressed the need for caution in proceeding with the government's economic stimulation measures. The Prime Minister noted the necessity to understand the actual impact of planned stimulus measures before any further steps are taken.

 

The proposal to continue with Phase 3 of the handout scheme faced postponement on Tuesday, although it was expected to receive cabinet approval. A total of 157 billion baht remains from the scheme's budget, intended to provide digital currency handouts to about 2.7 million Thai citizens aged 16 to 20.

 

This phase aims to inject 27 billion baht into the economy in an effort to revitalize grassroot economic activities.

 

Concerns are rising over the effectiveness of past phases, with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat maintaining confidence prior action, which the recent cabinet decision contradicts.

 

The reconsideration of Phase 3 also stems from disappointing outcomes in earlier stages, according to a source from Isra News Agency. The remaining 150 billion baht may instead address other economic priorities like water management and job preservation.

 

Speculations on redirecting funds gain ground with considerations to allocate 100 billion baht to enhance water systems and the remainder towards job support affected by tariff impacts.

 

The Pheu Thai Party-led coalition has already allocated 185 billion baht to benefit 14.5 million citizens in previous scheme stages. Finance permanent secretary Lavaron Sangsnit emphasized the need for vigilant government spending amid tariff-induced economic pressures.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-07

 

 

[ozz1]

The queen of flip flops strikes again ask daddy he'll sort it out

[ikke1959]

It is very easy.. There is no money for the pay out... They promised to give everyone 10k, but almost nobody got it as there is no money. They got their votes now and maybe before the new election suddenly they will start to give or promise the 10k again. But I don't believe that Thai people are so stupid to vote on this greedy party and coalition members.. They are complaining already

[whiteman]

one born every day

[Gknrd]

Haha, now blaming Trump for the delay... What a joke.

[YayaManos]

7 minutes ago, Gknrd said:

Haha, now blaming Trump for the delay... What a joke.

At least she has someone to blame but herself!

[WHansen]

Thailands massive financial problems are being well hidden but will be exposed sooner or later.

[dinsdale]

As soon as I read the headline on the home page I knew that the tariffs would be used as an excuse. I wasn't wrong.

12 hours ago, webfact said:

The revisions are spurred by the impending impact of US President Donald Trump's tariff policies on the global economy. After a cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister stated that various opinions are being gathered to re-evaluate the project's effectiveness under the new economic circumstances.

 

I haven't seen anything to show any effectiveness so far. Most were saying on here when this was first put forward it's just a populist handout that will have now real economic effect.  

[DonniePeverley]

Not really into the politics of Thailand, but can anyone tell me why they are giving out two handouts ?

[watchcat]

21 hours ago, webfact said:

US President Donald Trump's tariff policies on the global economy.

 

Donald has nothing to do with your promises about what you promised the voters whom got you eleccted in this  vote scam in Thailand.

[redwood1]

The 3rd phase hardly costs any thing its the 4th phase thats going to cost gargantuan amouts of money.....