Deputy finance minister defends digital wallet scheme

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has defended Pheu Thai’s digital wallet scheme, claiming that it is intended to stimulate the grass root economy and develop digital economy infrastructure through the use of a blockchain platform.

Speaking during the debate on government’s policy statement today (Monday), Julapun assured parliament that the government will adhere to fiscal discipline and will not source the funding for the digital wallet scheme from national reserves, the social security fund, the Vayupak mutual fund or by borrowings which would increase public debt, as feared by its critics.

Regarding the restriction on the spending of the 10,000 baht for every Thai national who is 16 or older, that it must be spent in stores within a 4km radius of their residence, Julapun said that the government is collecting opinions…