500 Billion Baht Digital Wallet Initiative to be Put on Hold

The eagerly anticipated 500 billion baht digital wallet handout scheme, publicised as the government’s economic lifeline, faces an unexpected delay.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced yesterday, January 19, that the launch of the 500-billion-baht initiative will be postponed pending an inquiry by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).

Brushing off rumours of incorporating the scheme into the 2025 budget, PM Srettha asserted that the government will not be looking that far ahead at this point.

The move comes after Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornviwat hinted at a potential delay until June during discussions on January 17.

The Bangkok-born prime minister expressed confidence in addressing the NACC’s concerns.

“I understand their concerns and can explain if they can pinpoint where such concerns lie.”

Dismissing the Move…