13-4-2024 (BANGKOK) Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra expressed concern about Thailand’s current economic problems during a lunch gathering at Kiattiocha Restaurant in Chiang Mai province. Accompanied by his sisters, Thaksin was warmly welcomed by Chatuporn Buruspat, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and a native of the province.
Upon his arrival, Thaksin acknowledged that the country’s economy has yet to fully recover. However, he expressed confidence in the potential of the digital wallet scheme to make a significant improvement. According to Thaksin, the current shortage of money in the system has depleted the funds of banks, resulting in a lack of available funds for lending.
Responding to criticism from the Move Forward Party regarding the digital wallet scheme, Thaksin stated that differing opinions are common in politics. Nevertheless, he firmly believes that the government’s actions are ultimately beneficial for the country.
Thaksin also highlighted the slower economic growth in Thailand compared to other ASEAN countries, attributing it to insufficient money circulation. To support economic growth, the government has taken measures to inject money into the system. When asked by reporters about the survival of the digital wallet scheme, Thaksin expressed optimism, stating, “There shouldn’t be any problems, from what I can see, because the government might temporarily increase debt at this point, but there will be measures to reduce government debt. Increase debt on one side, reduce on the other, and it will balance out.”
