Digital wallet scheme
| Digital wallet scheme | |
|---|---|
Logo of the Thang Rath app used in the scheme | |
| Country | Thailand |
| Prime Minister(s) |
|
| Ministry | Ministry of Finance |
| Key people |
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| 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 handout of approximately ฿450 billion 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. It also aims to promote digitisation. Phase 1 of the scheme was launched on 25 September 2024, with the initial 14.2 million recipients being welfare card holders and the disabled. It has been criticised by economists who label it as costly and harmful to Thailand's economy.