Handout pot B157bn lighter

The government is aiming to redirect 157 billion baht, initially earmarked for Phase 3 of the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme, to urgent water, transport and tourism infrastructure nationwide.

- POST REPORTERS

Speaking yesterday during the Thailand's Opportunities with PM Paetongtarn television programme, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra cited new economic factors, including US tariffs, and feedback from the National Economic and Social Development Council, the Bank of Thailand and the public as reasons for the move.

She said the budget allocated for Phase 3 of the digital wallet scheme, set last year and due to expire in September, can no longer be used for its original purpose.

Ms Paetongtarn said Phase 3 of the digital wallet scheme has been postponed. Asked if the scheme as a whole may be scrapped in the future, Ms Paetongtarn said: "I cannot say whether it will be cancelled or not.