The third phase of the 10,000-baht digital wallet handout program is set to launch in the second quarter of this year, according to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. The fund distribution system is currently undergoing testing and is expected to be fully operational in time for the rollout.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat previously stated that this phase would utilize an open-loop payment system, allowing seamless integration with various financial institutions across the country.
Eligible recipients for the third phase must be Thai citizens aged 16–59 who have registered via the Thang Rat app. Additionally, they must have an annual income of less than 840,000 baht and total savings of no more than 500,000 baht across all bank accounts.
Meanwhile, a recent Nida poll found that the 10,000-baht handout from the second phase had a significant impact on public opinion. Conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) between February 3–5, the survey gathered responses from 1,310 individuals aged 60 and over from diverse educational and economic backgrounds.
According to the poll, 44.89% of respondents said the handout influenced their support for the Pheu Thai-led government, while 30.69% stated their support was independent of the program. Conversely, 14.35% said they would not support the government under any circumstances, and 10.07% remained undecided.
Regarding the usage of the funds, 86.18% of respondents spent the money on daily expenses, including utility bills and petrol. Other reported uses included health-related costs (26.26%), debt repayment (13.66%), and saving for future needs (11.98%). Additionally, 9.24% invested in goods for resale, 8.70% allocated funds for education, and 4.35% purchased lottery tickets. Smaller percentages used the funds for electrical appliances (1.76%), mobile phones or IT devices (0.53%), travel (0.46%), and entertainment, including alcohol and cigarettes (0.38%).
The survey also revealed demographic insights, with 69.08% of respondents aged 60–69, 27.94% aged 70–79, and 2.98% aged 80 and above. Among them, 47.10% were retirees, homemakers, or unemployed, 20.53% were farmers or fishermen, 16.95% were business owners or freelancers, 15.04% were laborers, and 0.38% were formally employed. Additionally, 41.07% reported having no income.
