BANGKOK, Thailand – Sirikanya Tansakul, a list MP from the Move Forward Party, also raised concerns, suggesting that the program’s focus on 16-20-year-olds may stem from limited budget constraints for fiscal year 2025. The program’s budget, totaling over 20 billion Baht, is unlikely to boost the economy, as previous subsidies of larger amounts had little impact on economic growth or GDP. She also dismissed accusations that the government was attempting to buy votes from new voters, as she believes the younger generation has enough discernment not to be swayed by a small sum of money.
Looking back, the Pheu Thai Party had promoted the digital 10,000 Baht wallet scheme as a flagship policy to stimulate the economy. Under Prime Minister Settha Thavisin’s administration, the government announced a timeline for the digital wallet’s rollout, originally planned for April 2024, as a one-time distribution aimed at 50 million citizens who met certain criteria, including being over 16 years old, earning less than 840,000 Baht annually, and having savings in commercial banks or financial institutions not exceeding 500,000 Baht. The funds were intended for use at small retail stores within local districts, with eligible products being consumables, excluding luxury goods, fuel, services, and online purchases.
However, as the program progressed, restrictions were loosened, allowing more types of goods and stores to participate. The government’s original budget of 500 billion Baht, sourced from the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years, as well as loans from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), ran into legal issues that prevented them from accessing the BAAC loan. Consequently, the distribution had to be phased, starting with vulnerable groups, including 14.5 million recipients of government welfare and 2.1 million people with disabilities. The second phase is planned for seniors, with the third phase targeting youth.
On the other hand, Senator Phinyapat Sansaniyachivin has raised concerns over the government’s digital 10,000 Baht subsidy program, highlighting online criticisms regarding its fairness. Many people have questioned why tax-paying workers, who contribute significantly to the economy and bear heavy financial burdens, are excluded from the subsidy, while younger generations who have never worked or paid taxes are included. This issue has sparked public dissatisfaction, with many feeling the distribution is politically motivated, designed to build a voter base ahead of upcoming elections.
In particular, critics on social media have argued that targeting the 16-20 age group with financial aid will not stimulate the economy. Some suspect that the funds could be spent frivolously, for instance, on online gaming, rather than on essential goods and services that contribute to economic growth. There are also concerns that the policy does not foster financial discipline among youth, as it gives money to those who have not yet entered the workforce.
Additionally, Senator Phinyapat pointed out the uncertainty of the policy, noting that it deviates from previous promises made during the election campaign. She expressed doubts that the phased distribution of funds, rather than a one-time lump sum, would have any significant economic impact, with the funds merely adding to budgetary waste.
While the government’s intent was to gain popularity through these subsidies, the phased approach has led to public frustration, particularly among working taxpaying citizens who feel left out. As a result, the scheme, rather than boosting the government’s image, has fueled criticism regarding the fairness and effectiveness of the program.
