Thailand's Srettha delays digital money handout for 3 months

PM also scales back beneficiaries of Pheu Thai's flagship election pledge

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed at a press conference on Nov. 10 that a controversial 10,000 baht handout his party campaigned on will be late and go to fewer people. (Photo by Hiroki Endo)

APORNRATH PHOONPHONGPHIPHAT, Nikkei staff writer

November 10, 2023 20:12 JST

BANGKOK -- The Thai government has decided to start its flagship 10,000 baht ($280) digital money handout in May next year, a three-month delay from the original target of February, as it needs more time to find ways to fund the populist project.

One of the ruling Pheu Thai party's key election promises, the digital cash handout plan was presented as an economic stimulus, but some economists have warned that it will increase public debt. There have also been questions about how to pay for the scheme.