FILE PHOTO: Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister of Thailand, speaks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in San Francisco, California, U.S., Nov 15, 2023. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File photo
BANGKOK – Thailand’s plan to kick-start its economy via a $14.3-billion ‘digital wallet’ handout program will proceed by May, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told reporters on Tuesday.
His comments come after the Office of the Council of State, an independent panel that provides legal advice to governments, found no reason that would prohibit Srettha’s cabinet from borrowing to fund the scheme.
The program to give away 10,000 baht (around $285) to 50 million Thais to spend in their local communities was the signature election campaign policy of the ruling Pheu Thai party.
READ: Thailand gets green light to borrow to fund $14.3-B handout plan
The government wants to…
