Srettha slams Sirikanya for airing ‘personal thoughts’ on 10,000 baht scheme
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin responded to Move Forward deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun’s comment about the digital wallet scheme, saying imposing personal ideas can be politically destructive to the government’s intentions.
Sirikanya had declared on Friday that though the eligibility for the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme has been limited, it was still far too risky, as the government will be procuring loans to fund it.
Under new guidelines, the scheme will not include people earning 70,000 baht per month or those who have more than 500,000 baht in their bank accounts.
However, she said, despite limiting the eligibility, the PM has chosen a very challenging path by deciding to enact a royal decree to borrow 500 billion baht to fund the project.
She said the issuing of a loan decree may also be in violation of the Constitution and the Financial Discipline Act, as such a loan can only be authorised in cases of urgent necessity.
Sirikanya pointed out that there was no urgent necessity. She also observed that the government’s decision to secure funding in this manner may hint at a reluctance to see the success of this project.
On Saturday, Srettha, who also doubles as finance minister, attached a news link and posted a comment on X (formerly Twitter) in response to Sirikanya’s remark.
He said: “Do not impose your standards of thinking and hope that others will do the same. Do not view the government’s pure intentions and determination to elevate the well-being of the people as a political angle that creates confusion for the public.”
Pheu Thai Party, which is the coalition leader, had promised a 10,000-baht digital wallet handout while campaigning for votes.
