Phumtham” sees the kick-off of the 10,000 baht handout, people are interested and happy, pointing out that paying off informal debts is an individual’s right, confirming that there will definitely be a next phase, but asking for the first round to end first, not worried about people threatening to buy votes, explaining that it has already been done according to the objections after the group that did not meet the criteria complained that it did not get the full amount.
Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, as a leader of the Pheu Thai Party, talked about the public response after yesterday’s kick-off of the 10,000-baht cash handout to vulnerable groups. He asked that people not talk about whether the trend is good or bad. However, from following the news, the public is interested and happy. He saw some people waiting to withdraw money since midnight. The operation was not a problem. As for the issue of informal creditors waiting to collect money from vulnerable groups who
received 10,000 baht, if there is any impact, we will consider finding a solution. However, for the public, once they have paid, it will be considered a debt cancellation. From what I have seen, it is considered good because it is the discretion and the right of the public who have problems and solve their problems.
Mr. Phumtham said that regarding concerns about whether the next phase will be successful or not, we originally thought of paying for everything, but since there were many criticisms, the Prime Minister already said that the government would pay in installments. At present, we would like to pay the first group of 14.5 million people first because they are considered the most vulnerable group that deserves sympathy. The government is providing assistance in order. He also confirmed that all those who have already registered will be paid.
When asked again whether he would be able to feel at ease about when he would receive the money, Mr. Phumtham reiterated that the money had been paid today, even
though he had been criticized all along. At present, the government has proven it and given confidence. The Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance have explained that we divided it into phases, but in any case, all those who registered will receive it. However, the current process is only the first phase, which is 14.5 million people. He also confirmed that today, the government has done what it should do. As for some parties criticizing it earlier, saying that it was unreasonable, at present, the government has proven it. As for the second and third rounds, we will look at them as appropriate.
When asked if Phase 2 will be done by 2024, Mr. Phumtham said that we are working non-stop, but when will we get it? You will see. He confirmed that we are working non-stop, we are doing it every day.
When asked what the Deputy Prime Minister meant by dividing, Mr. Phumtham said that he would look into the details and might divide into groups or in installments. But since everyone wants it, we will try to make it
accessible first. This is the purpose of our attempt to introduce this system so that people can learn how to enter the digital economy system. What we are doing is considered to be a response to the needs of the people. However, due to the current economic crisis, we do not need to focus on other conditions too much. However, we are trying to do it. He emphasized that everyone will get it and there will be announcements from time to time.
“I don’t want to say everything, or else if I say it can’t be done, it will destroy hopes more. But it is confirmation and proof that it can be done. What was said to be impossible has been done, and it will be done according to what the people want. As for the rest, I confirm that I will do it, but please wait until the first round is over before asking,” said Mr. Phumtham.
When asked about the case of people who did not meet the criteria and did not receive the money, and then demanded the votes they received because at that time there were no conditions set, regarding
the deposit and it would be distributed to everyone, Mr. Phumtham said that we had already proposed the first condition, and there were criticisms that we should look at it according to the priority, which the government is currently looking at according to the priority. Therefore, it would be difficult for everyone to have a single vote, but please wait and see what the results are. But at least we have already limited the number of people who registered, and many people previously said they did not want it, which is considered a good thing because we are giving it to those who want it and those who are most in need.
When asked about the case where someone will take the 10,000-baht cash handout to complain to an independent organization whether it is vote buying or not, Mr. Phumtham said that they can follow the legal process. There is nothing to worry about. The government is not worried. There will be an investigation or something. Let’s talk about it. It is not an issue. Because the issue we have now is
that there are people suffering and the government is trying to solve the suffering. If we listen to the criticism and the money is not released, the people will be even worse. Therefore, we should focus on the people as much as possible.
Mr. Phumtham also said that we shouldn’t pick up every problem because we won’t be able to do anything.
Source: Thai News Agency