Fears grow over fate of handout scheme

The fate of the third phase of the government's flagship digital wallet scheme is hanging in the balance in light of the recent US trade tariff hikes.

- POST REPORTERS

Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira confirmed yesterday the 10,000-baht handout programme is under review as the government must reconsider its priorities following the new US trade policy.

He said the committee on economic stimulus measures is gathering information for a reassessment of its policies and plans, including the third phase of the populist scheme.

The government has 157 billion baht left to fund this final phase. It needs an additional 27 billion baht to finance it. Under the policy, 2.7 million Thais aged 16 to 20 would be given 10,000 baht each in digital currency to ease their burden and help stimulate the economy.