September 12, 2024: The massive budget required for the government’s flagship policy should be largely diverted to the relief efforts the flood sufferers need.
Then the rest of the budget can be earmarked for the other vulnerable Thais in dire conditions. This will not only help the genuinely needy people but also stimulate the domestic economy.
It will remove one key criticism Digital Wallet faces, which is that it’s a blanket agenda that may not benefit the people who are really suffering.
The Paetongtarn government has toned down Digital Wallet restrictions and conditions lately, but to help the flood sufferers and for the administration’s own good, it should unambiguously announce that the money being sought and intended for the controversial programme will be significantly used for the flood emergency.
Politically, that will be smart. Morally, that will be right. Economically, that will be money well spent.
When people need immediate help, economic stimulation must come later.
Daily updates of local and global events by Tulsathit Taptim
