In the bustling markets of Bangkok, a vendor diligently registers for the Tang Rat app using a smartphone, eagerly anticipating the 10,000 baht in digital cash promised by the government. Captured in a vivid snapshot by Apichart Jinakul, this moment encapsulates the excitement and anticipation surrounding the controversial scheme.
However, bureaucracy looms large. The Budget Bureau announced on Tuesday that if the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme doesn’t launch by next month, it will be delayed until the start of the next fiscal year on October 1. Chalermphol Pensoot, the bureau’s director, emphasized that the specifics of the cash handout policy must be reconfirmed once the new cabinet is established.
This initiative, aimed at disbursing 10,000 baht to as many as 50 million people, stands as the flagship policy of the Pheu Thai Party. Yet, securing funds for such an ambitious program has proven to be a herculean task. Moreover, critics are skeptical about the party’s claims that this measure will significantly boost the economy.
Mr. Chalermphol clarified that those in genuine need would be first in line for these funds. Approximately 14 million state welfare cardholders and around 1 million individuals with disabilities would be the initial beneficiaries, adding up to about 15 million people. This phase of the handout would be financed through 122 billion baht allocated from the 2024 fiscal budget and an additional 20 billion baht from the central budget.
Although the money was slated for distribution in September, the final approval from the Ministry of Finance remains pending. Optimistically, Mr. Chalermphol reassured that the government is on track to begin the scheme next month, given that the registration process is already completed.
“However,” he cautioned, “if the timeline is missed, the project will be shelved and the budget will need to be re-evaluated for potential resumption.” He further explained that when the 2025 fiscal budget kicks in this October, another 30 million registrants would be eligible to receive their share. Nevertheless, a thorough vetting process would be necessary to prevent any accidental double payouts. When everything is confirmed and ready, the funds will be distributed through digital wallets, ensuring a streamlined and modern approach.
In the meantime, market vendors like the one in Jinakul’s photograph continue to wait, their hopes intertwined with the promise of digital cash that could, quite literally, change their lives. The success of this policy remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: it has already captured the attention and imagination of millions.
This article doesn’t disclose how much it’ll cost the economy in the long run. They should focus on sustainable economic solutions!
Exactly, handing out free money isn’t going to fix structural issues. It’s just a band-aid!
But sometimes a band-aid can prevent a wound from getting worse. Short-term measures have their place.
It’s definitely more complicated than just handing out cash, but immediate relief can be crucial for the vulnerable.
Does anyone else think this is just a political stunt? They promise free money to win votes.
Politicians do love their grand promises, but let’s see if they can deliver on this one.
It’s about time politicians put their money where their mouth is. I hope this actually comes through.
Absolutely, Tara! This isn’t the first time we’re seeing such empty promises.
If the government can afford this, why not use the money to improve public services instead?
Public services do need a revamp, but sometimes direct cash transfers can have a more immediate impact.
Not to mention, direct cash transfers give individuals the freedom to decide how to use the money.
I doubt this scheme will ever see the light of day. Too many hoops to jump through.
Honestly, I think the government should focus on reducing unemployment instead of giving handouts.
Digital wallets are a great idea, but only if people know how to use them. What about tech education?
My aunt could really use this money. She’s been struggling to make ends meet.
It’s people like your aunt who these programs are meant to help. Hopefully, it gets implemented properly.
This whole plan sounds overly ambitious. They should roll it out gradually to iron out the issues.
Sure, but then fewer people get help when they need it most. It’s a double-edged sword.
Yeah, but a phased rollout might ensure it actually works and reaches the right people.
If they delay the launch till October, people are going to start losing faith in the government entirely.
How hard is it to roll out an app? Tech companies do it all the time.
True, but government projects are notoriously slow and laden with bureaucracy.
The vetting process sounds like a nightmare. Are they really prepared for this?
I’m skeptical but hopeful. If done right, this could really uplift a lot of struggling families.
Same here. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
When is the government ever on time with such schemes? It’ll probably be postponed multiple times.
Exactly! That’s what I’m worried about too.
That’s the pessimist’s perspective, Harry. Let’s hope for the best this time.
I just hope they don’t mishandle the funds. Corruption is always a concern with such large sums.
Just get the money into people’s hands! They’ll spend it and boost the economy, it’s simple economics.
People might just save the money instead of spending it, which won’t help the economy much.
Let’s not forget the disabled individuals finally getting some support. This part of the plan seems fair.
Absolutely, Kaitlyn. The most vulnerable need help the most.
I’m more worried about how they’ll ensure no double payouts. Sounds like a logistical nightmare.
The double payout issue is a major concern. They need an airtight system for this.