Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin remains assured that 320 MPs of the coalition parties will support the issuance of the Loan Bill to fund the 10,000-baht digital handout scheme.
Following a statement by the Prime Minister on the Digital Wallet project distributing 10,000 baht for Thai citizens last Friday, numerous criticisms emerged, focusing on the criteria for fund distribution and the necessary parliamentary approval for loans to fund the scheme.
Regarding concerns raised by deputy leader of the Move Forward Party, Sirikanya Tansakul, suggesting the project might not materialize or gain parliamentary approval, the Prime Minister maintains confidence in the stability of the 320 coalition voices and emphasizes the collaborative nature of their work.
Amid media inquiries about potential obstacles, the Prime Minister asserts the policy’s appropriateness. The government stands by the correctness of the process, indicating that the Council of State will offer positive feedback, affirming the project’s viability.
However, uncertainties linger, questioning whether the country is in a crisis and if such measures are imperative. Economic growth, which has been stagnant at 1.9% annually for the past 9-10 years, highlights a lag compared to other countries experiencing double the growth rate.
He said the government believes in the necessity of stimulus measures, as economic stagnation might deter future investments in Thailand, contrasting the growth seen in competitive countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
The Prime Minister reaffirms the government’s ability to procure funds and highlights the benefits of the Loan Bill, with the central bank mentioning potential improvements in the GDP if raised, subsequently reducing the public debt-to-GDP ratio. (TNA)
