Engaged in a relentless tête-à-tête, Thailand’s government recently countered the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP)’s claims that its 10,000 baht digital wallet stimulus program will not materialize. The MFP suggests that the announcement, made Friday, is merely a façade helping the government renege on its promising handout. “Don’t use your imagination to color the intentions of others. The government’s genuine attempts to improve living conditions should not be politicized or turned into public confusion,” rebuked Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to MFP’s deputy leader, Sirikanya Tansakun.
To fuel the program, the government is lobbying for a bill that would greenlight borrowing 500 billion baht. However, Ms. Sirikanya counters this attempt, stating that the bill could be deemed unconstitutional and break financial and fiscal discipline laws. The borrowing venture’s significance does not justify its pressing status, she added.
On the contrary, the Pheu Thai Party illuminated the urgency of stimulating the Thai economy. Spokesperson Danuporn Punnakan emphasized that investing money into the economy and encouraging expenditure at the grassroots level is critical. The stipend aims to provide financial relief to individuals aged 16 and above earning no over 70,000 baht monthly and having less than 500,000 baht in bank balances.
The government’s assessment shows nearly 50 million citizens qualifying for the scheme, as it discounts about 4.8 million individuals either earning over 70,000 baht or having substantial savings crowned over 500,000 baht. Previous estimates suggested 54.8 million were eligible.
Countering Ms. Sirikanya’s stand, the government mirrors Danuporn’s view of urgently stimulating the economy due to the recession-stricken grassroots populace. “The MFP overlooked the urgency; however, we, as Pheu Thai MPs, are fully aware of the struggle people are facing,” stated Danuporn. The government’s move to amplify public faith is indispensable for economic invigoration, he added.
Addressing the financial and fiscal discipline dispute, Danuporn reassured that the government is not single-handedly handling the project. The National Economic and Social Development Council and the Bank of Thailand supervise the operations. The project embarked on a revisionist phase that brought in political and civil perspectives before its Friday announcement.
Inclusive modifications include amplifying the digital wallet spend area, initially constrained within a 4km radius, and suggesting the Paotang app over developing a new one. Political activist Srisuwan Janya swore to appeal to the Ombudsman for a Constitutional Court ruling regarding the constitutionality of the project borrowing bill.
Ex-election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn suggests that the Pheu Thai could lose negotiating power with its coalition once the bill is proposed, as PM Thavisin may have to resign or disband the House if it’s voted down.
Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, NACC secretary-general, stated that detailed project information will be requested from the government.
Public sentiment remains piecemeal over the scheme. Amongst those opposing, Wandi Khaosanit, a 60-year-old online lottery vendor, asserted that not everyone with a 500,000 baht balance is wealthy as it could be their life savings. Somkit Didaeng, a bamboo shoot vendor, expressed distaste over the constraint that excludes digital money from repaying debt. Regardless, numerous vendors from Khon Kaen province support the project despite worrying about its economic implications.
Be First to Comment