Thailand Reassures Public About Cash Handout Program Amid Political Changes
Thailand’s interim Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat reassured the public on August 15th that there will be no changes to the planned cash handout program, despite the recent removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Julapun emphasized that the Pheu Thai Party, which holds key positions in forming the new coalition government, will continue to prioritize this policy.
The program, which promises 10,000 baht (about 276 USD) in digital wallet funds for eligible citizens, is a central policy of the Pheu Thai Party aimed at stimulating the economy. Julapun urged citizens not to delete the “Thang Rath” app, through which they will receive the funds from the government.
However, Julapun also noted that the Pheu Thai Party will allow the new prime minister to officially announce the policy in parliament.
After winning the election last year, Srettha Thavisin pledged that all Thai citizens aged 16 and older would receive the 10,000 baht, a key promise of the Pheu Thai Party during their election campaign.
On August 14th, Thailand’s Constitutional Court ruled to remove Srettha from office due to his appointment of a minister with a criminal record. Srettha accepted the court’s decision and immediately vacated his position, leading to concerns that the cash handout program might be canceled as well.
The Thai House of Representatives is set to convene at 10 AM tomorrow to vote for a new prime minister. To be elected, a candidate must secure more than half of the 493 votes in the House, requiring at least 247 votes. If no candidate reaches this threshold, the House will continue to meet and repeat the voting process.
Thai media reports suggest that former Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri, 75, will be the Pheu Thai Party’s nominee for prime minister. Given that the Pheu Thai-led coalition controls 314 seats in the House, Chaikasem is expected to face little difficulty in securing the position.
