# Thailand launches first stage of its USD 14 billion stimulus plan

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/economics/165491-thailand-launches-first-stage-of-its-usd-14-billion-stimulus-plan
- Published: 2024-09-30T10:39:31+07:00
- Author: J. Allan

The Thai government has announced a USD 14 billion stimulus plan to boost the country’s
economy. The plan is being implemented in phases, with the first phase already underway.

The plan is set to enable 45 million individuals to each receive 10,000 baht, which
is anticipated to boost economic activity.

ADVERTISEMENT

## Key takeaways

 * Thailand’s USD 14 billion plan will distribute 10,000 baht to 45 million people,
   boosting economic activity. 
 * Funds will be distributed via a smartphone app to encourage local spending, but
   the plan has faced criticism for being fiscally irresponsible.
 * Thailand aims to become a cashless society by 2024, focusing on openness, inclusivity,
   and resiliency to enhance financial services.

The first phase of the plan will distribute 10,000 baht in cash to 14.5 million 
social welfare cardholders and disabled individuals.

The Thai government will use this as a tool to boost local economic growth, and 
the first phase is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra explained that the initiative would encourage
domestic consumption and was initially structured to distribute the funds through
a smartphone application, with the money to be spent in local communities within
six months.

Shinawatra added that the original plan proposed by the Pheu Thai Party as the central
axis of its economic stimulus policy envisaged a budget of 450 billion baht to distribute
10,000 baht per person (all in the form of digital money) to 45 million recipients.

## Digital payments development in Thailand

Thailand has made significant strides in the development of digital payments, particularly
under its three-year payment systems development strategy (2022-2024). This strategy,
spearheaded by the Bank of Thailand (BOT), aims to transition the country towards
a cashless society, enhancing the efficiency and inclusivity of financial services.

The strategy is built on three key principles: Openness, Inclusivity, and Resiliency.

Openness: This principle utilizes shared payment infrastructures and information
to increase efficiency, promote competition, and foster innovation. Key initiatives
include the development of a unified infrastructure for trade information and digital
payments.

Inclusivity: The goal here is to ensure broad access to digital payment services
for all segments of society. This involves collaborating with the public and private
sectors to expand digital payment channels, particularly targeting underserved groups.
Efforts include integrating digital payment options into public transportation and
government services, as well as promoting financial literacy to ensure the safe 
and effective use of digital payment systems.

### Related**Posts**

###  󠀁[Singapore Pillar Two Registration: Steps Multinational Groups Should Take](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/asean/329970-singapore-pillar-two-registration-what-multinational-groups-need-to-do)󠁿

###  󠀁[Bank of Thailand Warns Repeated Shocks Are Weakening Thailand’s Economic Resilience](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/economics/332788-bank-of-thailand-warns-repeated-shocks-are-weakening-thailands-economic-resilience)󠁿

###  󠀁[PwC: Supply-Chain Diversification, AI and Energy Transition Open New Growth Paths for Thailand](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/economics/333076-pwc-supply-chain-diversification-ai-and-energy-transition-open-new-growth-paths-for-thailand)󠁿

###  󠀁[World Bank raises Thailand’s 2026 growth outlook to 2% but warns AI dependence and climate risks remain](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/economics/332820-world-bank-raises-thailands-2026-growth-outlook-to-2-but-warns-ai-dependence-and-climate-risks-remain)󠁿

Resiliency: This principle aims to build a robust and secure payment infrastructure
capable of withstanding various challenges. This includes enhancing cybersecurity
measures and ensuring the reliability of payment systems to maintain public trust
and confidence

Thailand’s $14 billion stimulus plan seeks to invigorate the economy by distributing
10,000 baht to 45 million citizens, emphasizing local spending through digital payments.
This initiative is designed to boost domestic consumption and aid the shift towards
a cashless society, though it has been criticized for potential fiscal irresponsibility.