PM to press ahead with “digital wallet” despite protests from academics

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has reiterated the government’s determination to launch the digital wallet scheme early next year as promised, despite protests from a group of 99 economics professors, including two former governors of the Bank of Thailand.

Asked about the digital wallet by a chief monk of Kham Khuean Kaeo district of Yasothon, during his visit today (Saturday) to observe flood situation and to distribute relief materials to flood victims, the prime minister responded by saying that his government has been working on the scheme and will definitely implement it “because it is important and for the people.”

A 70-year-old woman told the prime minister that she will be glad to receive the money under the program, but doubts whether she will get it because she does not have a smart phone.

“Don’t worry, one ID card is enough,” the prime minister told her to…