| Digital wallet scheme | |
|---|---|
 Logo of the Thang Rath app used in the scheme | |
| Country | Thailand |
| Prime Minister(s) |
|
| Ministry | Ministry of Finance |
| Key people |
|
| Launched | 25 September 2024 Nationwide |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Website | digitalwallet |
The digital wallet scheme is a government handout scheme created by the Thai government that aims to allow eligible Thai citizens to receive ฿10,000 (US$275) each through a digital wallet to spark economic growth. The scheme is the flagship policy of the Pheu Thai party and the Srettha and Paetongtarn governments. The around ฿450 billion handout is estimated to reach 45 million registered people.
The scheme is designed to spark economic growth in Thailand's sluggish economy post-COVID-19 by increasing the country's GDP, growth and household purchasing power through promoting consumption at the local level amongst lower level income earners.[1][2] It also aims to promote digitisation.[2] Phrase 1 of the scheme was launched on 25 September 2024, with the initial 14.2 million recipients being welfare card holders and the disabled.[3] It has been criticised by economists who label it as costly and harmful to Thailand's economy.[4]
- ^ "Thailand's top stocks reap gains on digital wallet rollout". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ a b "Thailand's Digital Wallet Goes Live – Global Policy Institute". Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ "Thailand kicks off first phase of $14 bln "digital wallet" stimulus scheme". Reuters. 25 September 2024.
- ^ "Thailand's controversial $21 billion digital cash scheme begins but does it really help its people?". ABC News. 2024-08-01. Retrieved 2024-10-01.