19-1-2024 (BANGKOK) Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has reiterated his government’s determination to proceed with the proposed $14.3-billion ‘digital wallet’ initiative, despite ongoing discussions about potential delays in its implementation. While Srettha did not provide a specific launch date, concerns have emerged regarding a potential postponement, with a government official suggesting it could extend beyond May earlier this week.
Initially scheduled for a February rollout, the ‘digital wallet’ scheme has encountered scrutiny over funding mechanisms, prompting some experts to question its fiscal responsibility. The government, however, remains adamant that the programme, designed to allocate 10,000 baht (approximately $285) to each of the 50 million Thai citizens via a mobile app for local community spending, will be managed prudently through a carefully planned borrowing strategy.
Addressing reporters after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Srettha emphasized that the government possesses data supporting the initiative’s viability and emphasized that rigorous measures would be in place to prevent corruption.
