Thailand is set to roll out a controversial $13.8 billion handout plan in digital money to citizens

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. eligible / ˈɛl ɪ dʒə bəl / (adj.) – able or allowed to do or receive something
    Example:

    The new healthcare plan is available to all eligible residents in the area.


  2. handout / ˈhændˌaʊt / (n.) – money, food, clothing, etc., given to people who are in need
    Example:

    During the crisis, many families depended on government handouts to survive.


  3. lagging / ˈlæg ɪŋ / (adj.) – falling behind or moving more slowly than others
    Example:

    The company is working on improving its lagging sales in the market.


  4. stimulus / ˈstɪm yə ləs / (n.) – something that encourages activity or development
    Example:

    Increased funding for education acts as a stimulus for better learning environments and resources.


  5. sluggish / ˈslʌg ɪʃ / (adj.) – moving or working more slowly than usual, often in a lazy or inactive way
    Example:

    The sluggish performance of the business led to a decrease in profits and layoffs.


Article

Read the text below.

Thailand’s prime minister said in July that eligible businesses and individuals can register from August for digital cash handouts, a controversial program that will cost billions of dollars and is meant to boost the lagging economy.


The government announced in April the widely criticized ambitious plan, named the “Digital Wallet,” meant to give 10,000 baht (about $275) to 50 million citizens in digital money to spend at local businesses.


Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin posted on the social platform X, saying the registration will begin August 1 and that he has given instructions to ensure the smooth implementation of the program.


The “Digital Wallet” was a major campaign promise of the ruling Srettha’s Pheu Thai party ahead of last year’s general election. The government says that this scheme will cause an “economic tornado,” and Srettha has said the stimulus and subsequent consumption are expected to boost gross domestic product growth by 1.2 to 1.6 percentage points.


However, economists have criticized the program, calling it an ineffective way to contribute to sustainable economic growth compared to other measures.


Deputy Minister of Finance Julapan Amornvivat said that the Digital Wallet committee has agreed to exclude tens of thousands of shop owners and cash recipients who have a record of committing fraud in past programs.


The plan also has certain limitations, such as excluding certain goods that are yet to be decided, and earlier proposals suggested oil, services, and online purchases should be among them. Julapan said the Commerce Ministry would handle the exclusions set to be announced in the fourth week of July after the detailed plan is submitted to the Cabinet.


Thailand has in recent years suffered from a sluggish economy that appears to have deteriorated with no clear sign of growth.


The ruling Pheu Thai party had initially suggested digital wallet payments for all Thais 16 and older, but later this was limited to only lower-income Thais, defined as people with yearly incomes not exceeding 840,000 baht (about $23,000) and savings in financial institutions not totaling more than 500,000 baht ($13,700).


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

 

  • The Digital Wallet program might cover various goods and services, including items like oil, services, and online purchases. If you could suggest an additional item or category to include in the list of goods and services covered by the Digital Wallet program, what would it be and why? Discuss.
  • Do you think this kind of program will receive a lot of support in your country? Why or why not? If this program were implemented in your country, what local services or products would you avail? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • What are your thoughts on government initiatives that target specific groups, such as lower-income individuals? Do you think this is a fair approach? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • How does your government support lower-income families? Do you think your government has been effective in addressing their needs? Why or why not? Discuss.