The first cabinet meeting considered distributing 10,000 baht in cash for unlimited spending.

Business

"Phumtham" revealed that the first cabinet meeting on September 17 will consider the digital wallet project, preparing to distribute 10,000 baht in cash to vulnerable groups this September, regardless of products or areas. The remaining groups will receive 2 rounds of cash-digital hybrids. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Phumtham Vejjayachai revealed that the 10,000-baht digital wallet project is the government's "flagship" policy and will definitely move forward to stimulate the economy. On September 17, the Cabinet will consider this matter. If approved, the first group of vulnerable people, approximately 14 million people, will be immediately transferred to their accounts by September 2024. 'The first group, the vulnerable group that receives the money, will not specify the products and shopping areas. They can buy anything, anywhere, in order to stimulate the economy,' said Mr. Phumtham. As for the approximately 10 million registered citizens, once their qualifications are verified, they will receive money according to the 2025 budget, divided into 2 rounds. The first round will be 5,000 baht. If the system is completed in time, it will be processed through the digital wallet system. However, if it is not completed in time, they will receive cash by the end of 2024. The remaining 5,000 baht will be considered for payment in 2025, with the intention of making it a spending method via the digital wallet system because the project's goal is not just to stimulate the economy, but also to bring the country into the digital system and prepare the public to learn about the new financial structure. The amount of money invested will affect circulation in the economic system in two rounds, with the first lump sum to be invested and then followed by a second lump sum of 100-200 billion baht to stimulate the economy. Source: Thai News Agency