Thailand’s Pheu Thai Party’s (PTP) prime ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin has reportedly announced a 10,000-baht digital currency handout policy. Making the sensational announcement in Nonthaburi province on Wednesday, Thavisi’s digital baht handout is open to Thai citizens above the age of 16 years.
The criteria of using the said 10,000-baht in digital currency is to utilize that sum of money in the party’s proposed economic stimulus policies. The announcement has caused a bit of a stir worldwide. The underlying condition is that the PTP should be able to form a government following the May 14 general election.
The economic stimulus project was reportedly announced by Pheu Thai’s chief adviser on public participation and innovation, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. It is said to be an initiative to boost blockchain technology adoption and distribution of Thailand-made products abroad, enabling Thailand to earn digital currencies.
The 10,000-baht must reportedly be spent in a 4-kilometer community radius in six months in the initial phase of the project to bring international digital currencies. Ms. Paetongtarn reportedly stated that Pheu Thai has it as its aim to prepare Thailand to be the fintech hub of the Asean region.
Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, reportedly stated that his party is inclined towards focusing on policies that enhance the quality of people’s life via income generation.
We are not treating them as people who are always waiting for money. They instead have the right to some assistance to help them stand on their own two feet.
As per United Thai Nation Party’s chief strategist, Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, the estimated budget would run to 500 billion baht when 50 million Thais are offered 10,000-baht.
Thailand’s minister of Digital Economy and Society, Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, reportedly stated he needs enough time to analyze the Pheu Thai policy. Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn is also the ruling Palang Pracharath Party‘s deputy leader.
