Residents in Khon Kaen proudly display their state welfare cards, each face telling a story of resilience and hope. (Photo: Chakkrapan Natanri)
As chatter fills the bustling Municipal Fresh Market 1 in Khon Kaen, vendors from all walks of life share a unified plea to the government: keep the financial faucets flowing. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration is contemplating a significant policy shift. The much-anticipated 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme might transform into a good old-fashioned 10,000-baht cash handout. The proposed change has ignited optimism among local vendors, who believe cold, hard cash can revitalize the local economy more effectively than its digital counterpart.
Tukta Sriaphai, a spirited 57-year-old fish vendor, shares her thoughts amid the market’s symphony of haggling and laughter. Confiding in the Bangkok Post, Tukta explains how a cash handout would be a lifeline, enabling her to tackle her utility bills and school fees for her children. Her eyes twinkle with hope as she pictures herself using the money to keep the lights on and water flowing. “Digital money is fine for some, but for us, cash is king. It can pump energy back into the local economy right away,” she states with conviction. Yet, a shadow of doubt crosses her face, hinting at skepticism about the government’s ability to deliver on its promise.
Standing next to her, Phetrat Kongphon, a 58-year-old sausage vendor with a warm smile, nods in agreement. She sees the cash handout as a blessing, especially for the elderly who often struggle with adapting to digital solutions. “Cash in hand means we can manage our daily needs better,” she affirms, endorsing the proposed policy change with fervor.
On the other side of the market, Tiwarat Soysuwan, a 42-year-old fruit vendor, is slicing apples while sharing her perspective. Tiwarat refrained from registering for the digital wallet scheme, apprehensive about the complications it could entail. “I was concerned it would be tough to spend the digital money since my house registration is in a different district,” she explains. However, her reservations melt away at the thought of receiving cash. “That would be a game-changer. It gives us more spending freedom, benefiting both buyers and suppliers,” she posits, with a hopeful smile.
Tiwarat also suggests a phased handout approach to instill financial discipline. “Distributing the cash in stages rather than a lump sum would be more practical,” she adds thoughtfully.
Meanwhile, in Nakhon Ratchasima, the conversation mirrors the sentiments in Khon Kaen but adds another dimension. Nattapol Tinthapthai, a 50-year-old rice cracker vendor, voices his concerns over the waning economic climate. “Our income has plummeted over the past years,” he laments. Nattapol had signed up for the digital wallet scheme but now eyes the cash handout idea with longing. He recollects the Covid-19 relief funds from the previous government, hoping this new policy could offer similar relief.
Standing by her stall, Ua Tankratok, a 49-year-old street vendor, shared her skepticism. While she has registered for the digital wallet, she harbors doubts about the policy’s longevity under the current administration. “This government feels unstable,” she remarks cautiously, her eyes reflecting her apprehensions.
Across the northeast, the narrative is clear: The promise of direct cash handouts has captured the hearts and hopes of local vendors. They dream of a simpler, more immediate solution to navigate these challenging times. As Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government mulls over its course of action, these voices from Khon Kaen and Nakhon Ratchasima illustrate the profound impact such a policy could have on grassroots communities, breathing life into local economies and bringing a tide of much-needed financial relief.
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