Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has moved to quell growing frustration among working-age citizens, promising that they will receive their share of the government’s 10,000-baht economic stimulus handout in upcoming phases of the scheme. Speaking at a press conference at Government House following a weekly Cabinet meeting, Paetongtarn sought to reassure those aged 21 to 59 who have felt sidelined by the phased rollout of the programme, particularly as the latest phase prioritises younger, tech-savvy recipients.
The announcement comes amid mounting criticism on social media from taxpayers who argue they have been repeatedly overlooked—too affluent for the initial welfare-focused phase, too young for the elderly-targeted second phase, and now too old for the third phase, which targets those aged 16 to 20. With the government introducing a digital wallet system for the first time in this third phase, Paetongtarn explained that the focus on younger recipients is a strategic move to test the technology before expanding it to other groups. “Don’t worry. We selected the younger age group first because it is more familiar with technology,” she said, as reported by The Nation.
This latest development in Thailand’s ambitious stimulus programme, designed to boost economic recovery in the wake of global and domestic challenges, raises broader questions about equity, digital inclusion, and the government’s capacity to deliver on its promises. As the rollout continues, the intersection of technology and economic policy is shaping public sentiment and testing the administration’s credibility. 
A Phased Approach to Economic Relief
The stimulus programme, which aims to inject liquidity into Thailand’s economy through direct payments to citizens, has been rolled out in distinct phases, each targeting specific demographic groups. In the first phase, launched in September 2024, the government disbursed cash handouts to 14.5 million recipients, primarily state welfare cardholders and individuals with disabilities. This was followed by a second phase in late January 2025, which provided payments to an additional 3 million elderly citizens aged 60 and above.
The third phase, currently underway, marks a significant shift in delivery method. For the first time, the government is using a digital wallet platform to distribute the 10,000-baht payments, starting with individuals aged 16 to 20. Paetongtarn noted that the decision to begin with this age group was deliberate, as younger citizens are generally more adept with digital tools, allowing the government to iron out any technical issues before scaling up. However, she remained unclear on whether the payments would be facilitated through the existing Thangrath app or a newly developed platform, with further details expected from the Finance Ministry.
“I would like to assure everyone that all groups will receive their payments via the digital wallet as part of the economic stimulus programme,” Paetongtarn emphasised. She also clarified that while the government had initially promised digital wallet-based handouts, the urgency of economic needs necessitated direct cash payments for the first two phases. Now, with the digital infrastructure in place, all future distributions will leverage the new system.
Public Frustration and Digital Divides
While the government’s phased approach aims to address logistical challenges and prioritise vulnerable groups, it has not been without controversy. Many working-age citizens, particularly those in their 20s to 50s, have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction, feeling excluded from a programme they believe should benefit taxpayers like themselves. Posts circulating online highlight a sense of unfairness, with some users pointing out that they fall outside the eligibility criteria at every stage of the rollout.
This frustration underscores a broader concern about equity in the stimulus distribution. Thailand’s workforce, which forms the backbone of the nation’s tax base, is grappling with rising living costs, stagnant wages, and the lingering effects of economic disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent global inflationary pressures. For many, the 10,000-baht handout represents a much-needed lifeline, and the perception of being overlooked risks fuelling discontent with the administration.
Moreover, the shift to a digital wallet system has raised questions about accessibility and inclusion. While younger citizens may be comfortable navigating digital platforms, older working-age individuals or those in rural areas with limited access to smartphones and reliable internet may face barriers. The government’s decision to test the system with a tech-savvy cohort is pragmatic, but it also highlights the potential for a digital divide to exacerbate existing inequalities. Without clear communication and support mechanisms, the transition to digital payments could alienate segments of the population, undermining the programme’s intended impact.
Economic Context and Policy Implications
Thailand’s stimulus programme must be viewed against the backdrop of a broader economic landscape marked by both opportunity and uncertainty. The country has faced significant challenges in recent years, including a tourism sector battered by pandemic-related travel restrictions and supply chain disruptions that have driven up costs for businesses and consumers alike. While the economy has shown signs of recovery—tourism numbers are rebounding, and GDP growth forecasts for 2025 hover around 3%—pockets of vulnerability remain, particularly among low-income households and small enterprises.
The 10,000-baht handout scheme is part of a wider effort by the Paetongtarn administration to stimulate domestic consumption, a key driver of Thailand’s economy. By putting money directly into the hands of citizens, the government hopes to spur spending at local businesses, thereby creating a multiplier effect that supports jobs and growth. However, the effectiveness of such measures depends on how evenly the benefits are distributed and whether the funds reach those most in need.
Economists have offered mixed assessments of the programme. Some argue that direct cash transfers, and now digital payments, are a quick and efficient way to boost demand, particularly in an economy where consumer confidence remains fragile. Others caution that without structural reforms—such as addressing labour market inefficiencies or investing in long-term infrastructure—the stimulus may provide only temporary relief. There is also the question of fiscal sustainability; funding large-scale handouts requires careful budgeting to avoid straining public finances, especially as Thailand navigates external pressures like fluctuating global interest rates.
The introduction of the digital wallet adds another layer of complexity. If successful, it could modernise Thailand’s financial ecosystem, encouraging digital transactions and reducing reliance on cash—a trend already gaining traction in urban centres like Bangkok. However, if technical glitches or accessibility issues arise, the rollout could backfire, further eroding public trust in the government’s ability to execute its policies.
Political Stakes for Paetongtarn’s Administration
Beyond the economic implications, the stimulus programme carries significant political weight for Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who assumed office amid high expectations and lingering scepticism. As the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose populist policies reshaped Thai politics in the early 2000s, Paetongtarn faces pressure to deliver tangible benefits to the electorate while navigating a polarised political landscape.
The phased rollout of the stimulus, while logistically sound, risks being perceived as exclusionary if working-age citizens continue to feel neglected. Social media sentiment, which has already amplified grievances, could translate into broader public discontent, providing fodder for opposition parties to criticise the administration. Paetongtarn’s reassurances at the press conference are a step towards addressing these concerns, but the government will need to follow through with clear timelines and inclusive policies to maintain credibility.
Furthermore, the digital wallet initiative ties into a larger narrative of technological modernisation that the administration has championed. Success in this arena could bolster Paetongtarn’s image as a forward-thinking leader, particularly among younger voters. Conversely, any missteps could reinforce perceptions of inefficiency or elitism, especially if rural or less tech-savvy communities struggle to access the payments.
Looking Ahead: Equity and Execution
As the stimulus programme progresses, the Thai government faces the dual challenge of ensuring equitable distribution and flawless execution of the digital wallet system. Paetongtarn’s commitment to including all age groups in future phases is a positive signal, but it must be backed by transparent communication and robust support for those less familiar with digital platforms. Bridging the digital divide—through public education campaigns, partnerships with local authorities, or alternative payment options—will be critical to the programme’s success.
For now, working-age citizens await further details on when and how they will receive their 10,000-baht handouts. The Finance Ministry’s forthcoming announcement on the digital wallet platform will likely shape public expectations, and any delays or technical hiccups could intensify frustration. Meanwhile, the broader economic and political implications of the stimulus will continue to unfold, testing the Paetongtarn administration’s ability to balance short-term relief with long-term stability.
Thailand’s journey with the digital wallet stimulus reflects a broader regional trend towards integrating technology into governance and economic policy. If navigated successfully, it could serve as a model for other South East Asian nations grappling with similar challenges. For the moment, though, the focus remains on ensuring that no citizen feels left behind in the push for progress.
