Third phase of digital handouts scheme postponed - PM

The government has decided to postpone the disbursement to 2.7 million baht to Thais, aged from 16 to 20, of the 10,000 baht per person benefit under the third phase of the digital handouts scheme, which was due to take place this month.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra told the media that the matter was not discussed by the Cabinet today, because the government is waiting for more feedback on the scheme from relevant agencies, coupled with the abrupt change in the global economic situation, including the reciprocal tariffs to be imposed on Thai exports to the US market.

She said that, even though the government is intent on implementing the scheme, to boost the economy, it also has to listen to opinions from agencies like Bank of Thailand and the National Economic and Social Development Council.

She said that the government has no plan to scrap the scheme, but it is assessing whether the funds meant for the scheme could be better spent, adding that the government will try to explain the necessity for the postponement to the potential recipients.

Regarding the prime minister’s earlier claim, that the Thai tariff negotiating team has unofficial and secret deals with their US counterparts, she said some parts of the deal cannot be disclosed until the time is right.

She did say, though, that tariff talks will be held within the 90-day time frame.