BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul has confirmed that the government has allocated 180 billion baht for the second phase of its digital wallet scheme, ensuring sufficient funding for the initiative. The first phase, which targeted 14.5 million recipients, including state welfare cardholders and people with disabilities, successfully disbursed its 145-billion-baht budget.
While the second phase is set to proceed, its details and schedule will be determined by the economic stimulus committee led by the prime minister. Paopoom noted that around 200,000 people faced issues with the first phase’s 10,000-baht transfers due to unlinked PromptPay accounts, but this number is relatively small. Additional transfer dates on October 22, November 22, and December 22 have been scheduled for those who link their accounts in time.
The ministry is also working with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to ensure people with disabilities who missed out can receive their funds. Paopoom observed a surge in ATM withdrawals, especially at the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, as many recipients are opting to withdraw the full amount to spend locally. (NNT)
