The Government has backed down over its plan to give two 1,000 baht handouts to every low-income earner, to help ease their hardship in light of the economic slowdown and COVID-19.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said today that he had ordered the plan to be scrapped.

The cash giveaway, which was part of an economic stimulus package, was approved by the group of economic ministers last Friday.  It was to be submitted to the cabinet tomorrow for finalization.

The plan has come under heavy criticism from economists and the Opposition, pointing out that it will be a waste of taxpayers’ money and will not help boost the slowing economy.

The Prime Minister said the cabinet will, however, consider other economic stimulus measures, such as tax breaks and financial support for small and medium size enterprises.

Related story: Poll shows 71.2% reject government cash giveaway scheme