Political activist Srisuwan Janya has been summoned by the Election Commission (EC) to give a statement relating to a petition he submitted against the Pheu Thai Party’s policy of 10,000 baht in digital handouts to everyone aged 16 and over.
Mr Srisuwan, secretary-general of the Association for the Protection of the Constitution, received a letter from the EC instructing him to provide more information by May 11.
The activist previously asked the EC to look into whether the digital wallet policy violates Section 73 of the law on the election of MPs, which prohibits poll candidates or other figures from promising to give voters assets, money or benefits, as well as giving misleading information about policies.
He said there the digital wallet scheme could be in violation of the currency law, the state fiscal and financial discipline law, and the emergency decree on digital asset businesses.
Under the 10,000-baht project, every Thai over 16 would get a new savings account and a digital wallet connected to their ID.
The policy is aimed at stimulating spending in communities in the first six months of its launch, with the help of blockchain technology to ensure the money is spent within a 4-kilometre radius in a bid to spur local economic activity.
Mr Srisuwan argued that although Pheu Thai has submitted details of the policy, including where the money will come from, questions remain.
He asked if some state projects, such as a welfare scheme for low-income earners or monthly allowances for the elderly, would be axed to allow for the reallocation of funds.
He also asked if the digital wallet — which would require 500 billion baht — would affect other policies put forward by Pheu Thai.
The party is eyeing 70 policies over four years, with an estimated cost of 3 trillion baht, he noted.