Cabinet to Review Third Phase of 10,000-Baht Handout Scheme
BANGKOK — The Thai cabinet will review the third phase of the government’s 10,000-baht digital wallet handout next week, with implementation set for May–June, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat.
This phase targets 2.7 million young people aged 16–20, following earlier distributions to welfare cardholders, people with disabilities, and seniors over 60. Funds will be transferred via PromptPay, and system integration with financial institutions is reportedly on track.
Critics have questioned the programme’s impact, saying it has not significantly boosted consumption. Last week, a complaint was filed with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) over the reallocation of 35 billion baht from the 2025 fiscal budget, originally set for debt repayment.
Julapun defended the move, asserting that it followed legal budgetary procedures and that public debt payments remain unaffected. He welcomed scrutiny and said the government awaits a Constitutional Court ruling.
On broader economic issues, Julapun commented on the World Bank’s revised GDP forecast—now at 1.6%, down from 2.6%—citing US trade policies and ongoing tariff negotiations as key uncertainties.
