New Thai PM denies father Thaksin ordered end of digital wallet scheme

She says her father has no authority over her govt and does not want any post in it

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Newly appointed Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has denied that her father Thaksin Shinawatra told her to terminate the controversial digital wallet scheme.

During a question-and-answer session at the Voice Space building in Bangkok where she received a royal command appointing her as the new PM, Ms Paetongtarn said it was not true as reported that Thaksin had ordered her new government to discontinue the digital wallet handout programme.

She said that her father had no authority over her government but added that since he "is a person respected by many, I may seek his advice, depending on his expertise".

Ms Paetongtarn said Thaksin simply advised her to seek more opinions on the controversial digital wallet scheme, in which the previous government of Mr Srettha Thavisin planned to hand out 10,000 baht (S$380) each to some 45 million eligible recipients.

"The digital wallet scheme is a project we intend to use as a major economic stimulus," Ms Paetongtarn said.