The Thai government has announced a USD 14 billion stimulus plan to boost the country’s economy. The plan is being implemented in phases, with the first phase already underway.
The plan is set to enable 45 million individuals to each receive 10,000 baht, which is anticipated to boost economic activity.
The first phase of the plan will distribute 10,000 baht in cash to 14.5 million social welfare cardholders and disabled individuals.
The Thai government will use this as a tool to boost local economic growth, and the first phase is expected to be completed by the end of the month.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra explained that the initiative would encourage domestic consumption and was initially structured to distribute the funds through a smartphone application, with the money to be spent in local communities within six months.
Shinawatra added that the original plan proposed by the Pheu Thai Party as the central axis of its economic stimulus policy envisaged a budget of 450 billion baht to distribute 10,000 baht per person (all in the form of digital money) to 45 million recipients.
Thailand has made significant strides in the development of digital payments, particularly under its three-year payment systems development strategy (2022-2024). This strategy, spearheaded by the Bank of Thailand (BOT), aims to transition the country towards a cashless society, enhancing the efficiency and inclusivity of financial services.
The strategy is built on three key principles: Openness, Inclusivity, and Resiliency.
Openness: This principle utilizes shared payment infrastructures and information to increase efficiency, promote competition, and foster innovation. Key initiatives include the development of a unified infrastructure for trade information and digital payments.
Inclusivity: The goal here is to ensure broad access to digital payment services for all segments of society. This involves collaborating with the public and private sectors to expand digital payment channels, particularly targeting underserved groups. Efforts include integrating digital payment options into public transportation and government services, as well as promoting financial literacy to ensure the safe and effective use of digital payment systems.
Resiliency: This principle aims to build a robust and secure payment infrastructure capable of withstanding various challenges. This includes enhancing cybersecurity measures and ensuring the reliability of payment systems to maintain public trust and confidence
Thailand’s $14 billion stimulus plan seeks to invigorate the economy by distributing 10,000 baht to 45 million citizens, emphasizing local spending through digital payments. This initiative is designed to boost domestic consumption and aid the shift towards a cashless society, though it has been criticized for potential fiscal irresponsibility.
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