Online program: a” backbone” for the underprivileged
12 October 2023 at 7:12 PUBLISHED
The 10, 000 ringgit digital wallet scheme’s proponents dismissed criticism of the policy by financial experts on Wednesday, claiming that the cash handout had decrease disparity and give the poor a much-needed financial lifeline.
The team, led by Jutipong Phummul, petitioned the government to proceed with the implementation of the digital budget program, which was promoted in parliament as a component of an economic policy to revitalize the economy.
Somkid Chukong, the lieutenant secretary-general for political affairs for the prime minister, approved the request.
The decision was made following the signing of an open letter by more than 120 academics, researchers, financial experts, and also former governors of the Bank of Thailand pleading with the Pheu Thai Party-led government to review the one-time handout scheme.
They feared that the large handout, which would cost 560 billion baht to cover 56 million people over the age of 16, could cause inflation, weaken fiscal discipline, and cause economic instability.
The critics, according to Mr. Jutipong’s group, are biased against the” pro-democracy” government and have no compassion for the underprivileged.
It stated that the government should think about filing a lawsuit against those who encouraged people to withdraw funds from specific banks in light of rumors that it might be able to get loans from those banks to finance the plan.
Yesterday, Mr. Somkid reassured the party that the government would carry out the plan. When asked if it faced opposition, he held back because it was the Pheu Thai Party’s idea.
When questioned about allegations that the National Anti-Corruption Commission( NACC) was monitoring the plan for possible legislation corruption, he responded that it does not violate election law.
When asked about the idea that the program may targeted vulnerable groups and low-income people, he said the release should be given to people over 16 regardless of their financial situation.
He claimed that it was challenging to distinguish between the wealthy and the poor, that those who did not want the money could decide not to use it, and that when the system was over, the funds may be given back to the government.
The Digital Wallet Steering committee will regard revising the program that may exclude rich people, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat on Tuesday.