Despite objections from academics, the Prime Minister remains determined to proceed with the implementation of a “digital wallet” system.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has confirmed that the government will proceed with the digital wallet scheme next year as planned, despite opposition from a group of 99 economics professors, including two former governors of the Bank of Thailand.
During a visit to observe flood conditions and provide aid to flood victims, the prime minister assured a 70-year-old woman that she would still be eligible for the program even if she did not own a smartphone.
The economists opposing the scheme argue that it is unnecessary given the projected increase in Thailand’s growth rate next year and that the funds could be better used for other purposes, such as infrastructure investment. They also criticize the program for creating social inequality.
