BANGKOK, Sept 12 (Askume) – Thai Prime Minister Patongtarn Shinawatra will submit a government policy proposal to parliament on Thursday, the main content of which is a plan to release 450 billion baht ($13.4 billion) in relief funds to boost economic growth.
Political newcomer Patongtarn’s Cabinet was sworn in earlier this month after she won parliamentary backing to become Thailand’s youngest prime minister following a shock court ruling that quashed her term as prime minister.He had ousted his predecessor Shretha Thavisin.
These policies broadly continue the agenda of Sriracha’s allies and his populist Pheu Thai Party, which have included debt restructuring and legalizing casinos to attract investment and more tourists .
The government is expected to reveal details of its signature plan to hand out 10,000 baht ($300) ” digital wallets ” to 50 million people , Patongtarn has now said some will be given in cash .
The plan was criticised by economists and former central bankers as fiscally irresponsible and rejected by the government. It has struggled to find funding.
It emphasises that policy is essential to revive the economy, with the central bank expecting it to grow by just 2.6% this year, rising to 1.9% in 2023 but still lagging well behind most regional peers.
Patongtarn, 38, made her parliamentary debut as Thailand’s second female prime minister. She is the fourth member of her family to reach the top post.
These include his father, billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s most influential and divisive politician over the past two decades, a supporter of economic stimulus schemes and a key figure behind the leader of the Pheu Thai party.
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