The finance ministry is considering the launch of a new program to promote tourism in the northern region and to boost the local economy, after several northern provinces were devastated by recent flooding.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat told the media today that the ministry is waiting for more details about the stimulus program from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, especially the budget needed to implement it.
He dismissed speculation that the program would cost the taxpayer 24 billion baht, saying that there is no conclusion yet as to how much will be needed or from where it will come and that the budget will be spent in five phases, not one.
The deputy finance minister offered his assurance that the government will definitely promote tourism in northern provinces through a new program and the second phase of the “digital wallet” scheme.
The first phase of the “digital wallet” scheme has already been completed, with about 14 million disabled people and state welfare card holders having each received 10,000 baht since September 30th.
Over 400,000 disabled and state welfare card holders did not, however, receive the money, due to technical problems, prompting the Finance Ministry to make another attempt to transfer the money. All but about 64,000 have now received the money.
