People in the working class expressed their disappointments online after the government announced that the third round of handouts will only be for 16 to 20 year olds.
Many working-age taxpayers argue that this move is unfair, questioning the policy’s effectiveness and suspecting “political motives ahead of the 2027 election”.
In a The Nation report, only individuals ageing 16 to 20 years old will be receiving 10,000 baht in handouts for its third phase. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced the third phase of the 10,000 baht handouts at the Government House on Monday.
The 10,000 baht handout is considered to be the first phase in the digital wallet scheme, stating that the recipients would receive the funds through the Thang Rath app.
The first phase provided cash to welfare cardholders and disabled, while the second benefited the elderly.
Social media went abuzz, especially among tax paying individuals outside of the 16 to 20 year old bracket, saying that they were “overlooked” as they pay taxes yet “receive no financial support”.
Bangkok Post says that the 10,000 baht handout will be going to 2.7 million people in the 16 to 20 year old bracket.