“Chulaphan”, Deputy Minister of Finance, admitted that the first phase of the 10,000 baht transfer has left over 300,000 people, with problems with accounts and expired cards. He pointed out that some people used it for the wrong purpose, but only a small number. It is still unclear whether the second phase will only give out 5,000 baht. He asked to wait for the conclusion. It is expected to be released during the low season, hoping to stimulate tourism. He said that he will not hold on to dignity after rumors spread that “Half-Half and We Travel Together” will be brought back.
Mr. Chulaphan Amornvivat, Deputy Minister of Finance, revealed about the transfer of 10,000 baht in the economic stimulus project in the first phase, which in the disabled group, there are still 8,829 people remaining, most of whom have problems with their cards and some have the same rights as the vulnerable group, approximately 93,000 people.
As for the vulnerable group, there are still 372,458 people who have problems with their
accounts not being active and have not been linked to PromptPay. For this group, if they have checked their eligibility but have not received the money, they must coordinate with the bank and link PromptPay with their ID card number. The Ministry of Finance will transfer the money 3 more times according to the cycle.
Mr. Chulaphan also clarified the case of money being transferred to the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) to eligible citizens who were automatically deducted from their accounts, confirming that there was no immediate deduction, which was a misunderstanding of the eligible recipients themselves, and that some people had linked their PromptPay to other banks but were unaware.
The total amount of money entering the system is currently around 141 billion baht and will have an effect on stimulating the economic system of 3.35%.
As for the case where people use it to buy alcohol and lottery tickets, it may not meet the government’s economic stimulus measures. Mr. Chulaphan
admitted that the government must think of stimulating the economy as soon as possible because if we wait another 3 months, it will have a negative impact on the economy. Therefore, the format must be adjusted, which is believed to be good and meet the needs of the people, especially the vulnerable groups. They may have money to spend beyond the government’s expectations, but it is a small proportion when compared to all eligible people. In the next phase, efforts will be made to make it digital. He denied that there is a plan to pay only 5,000 baht in the second phase. At this time, no conclusions have been reached. Every committee must have a mechanism. We are waiting for the results of the committee’s meeting.
When asked if the adjustment of the economic stimulus format was in line with the government’s original goal, Mr. Chulaphan said that the economic impact had decreased proportionately, but the money that was added had not disappeared. There was still liquidity in the system, circulating, but there m
ight be some leakage. However, the money would be a factor in circulating the economic system, especially during the high season. After that, we would have to look at the appropriate time to add money again to be a positive force to stimulate the economy.
As for whether it has to be during festivals such as Songkran, New Year, or whether it will be kept as a pick during the low season to stimulate tourism, Mr. Chulaphan stated that it cannot be determined yet. He gave an answer, but it would not be good to be far from the first phase because it would create inertia. Therefore, it must be added at the right time.
As for Ms. Sirikanya Tansakul, MP for the Prachachon Party, criticizing that the economic tornado will not happen anymore, Mr. Chulaphan said that it is easy to see that in the past one to two days, since the money was transferred, there has been a lively spending. Therefore, what will be gained is economic stimulus and building government confidence.
As for whether there will be other economic sti
mulus measures at the end of the year, Mr. Chulaphan said that there are, and they are being discussed. However, whether it will be ‘Half-Half’ or ‘Travel Together’ has not yet been concluded.
When asked if he was worried that these projects would become a source of criticism, criticizing others because he had criticized the project a lot, Mr. Chulaphan said that it had to be viewed according to the economic situation. He could not use those issues as a basis, and they would not use this as an obstacle, but would look at what would be most beneficial to society. It would not be about dignity, but rather the benefits of the people. He also emphasized that the economy would improve depending on the government’s confidence and stability, as well as its policies, which were becoming clearer and clearer.
As for the government’s confidence in the Senate reversing the MPs’ resolution on the referendum bill, is it a matter of government security? Mr. Chulaphan said that this is a matter of parliamentary process, an
d the Senate is also independent. It is a normal procedure, not an erosion or undermining of the government’s credibility. However, common ground must be found.
Source: Thai News Agency