The 10K Election Handout Farce

[Big Boy]

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... s/40032241

I've been looking at this, and doesn't Thailand make life hard for themselves. Just looking at my close family, on paper only 1 will benefit from it.

- One member has too much money in the bank.
- One member is earning too much.
- Three members will receive the 10K, but have to spend it over 300 miles away.
- One member will benefit.

Of course, I can see ways around it to ensure all 6 receive the handout, but what a mess it is going to be. I will actually advise against it. There will be many other Thais in similar situations in particular having to spend out of province. I'm sure their minds are already working through ways around it as well.

The Gov't is already saying they haven't worked out how they will pay for the handout (didn't we have a thread about stupid election promises?). The cost of policing this properly is going to cost more than the scheme itself.

[STEVE G]

The scheme, aimed at stimulating the economy, calls for 10,000 baht in digital money to be distributed to all Thais aged 16 and above for them to spend at shops within a 4-kilometre radius of their registered address within a six-month period.

I'm not totally against the idea as my partner has a local shop in Hin Lek Fai!

[Big Boy]

Yes, but what % of Hua Hin's population is registered in Hua Hin? My daughter has lived here over 20 years, but is registered in Roi Et, as is my eldest granddaughter. My son's wife is registered in Buriram. To me it's just another way of giving a gift that can't be easily used.

Just think, how many Bangkokians are registered in Bangkok.

[Dannie Boy]

I have no idea, but would have thought that a reasonably high % are registered locally - my wife and her son are and I’m sure they’re not unique. Obviously it’s not going to be close to 100% but I’d be surprised if it isn’t more than 50%!!


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[Big Boy]

I’d be surprised if it isn’t more than 50%!!

Exactly, so they've immediately excluded a large % of the electorate who most likely voted for them - some because of this promise. Many of whom are working away from home because they can't make enough money at home. It doesn't bother me one little bit, but IMHO Thais don't help themselves with such policies.

[Dannie Boy]

Well you’ve been here long enough to realise that if there’s a way to buggar something up, they’ll find a way to do it!! It’s obviously crazy but they’ve been doing this way for donkeys years so that won’t change now.

[Big Boy]

Of course, but it never ceases to amaze me how they publicise such things as being the best thing ever.

[STEVE G]

Yes, but what % of Hua Hin's population is registered in Hua Hin? My daughter has lived here over 20 years, but is registered in Roi Et, as is my eldest granddaughter. My son's wife is registered in Buriram. To me it's just another way of giving a gift that can't be easily used.

Just think, how many Bangkokians are registered in Bangkok.

My partner and her son are registered in Hua Hin now, they changed a couple of years ago. I think it makes things easier for driving licences and elections, etc.

[Big Boy]

I agree, but many haven't as they intend to return to what they still consider their home when they've made their 'fortune'. There will be hundreds, probably thousands in Hua Hin alone who will receive the credit, but be unable to spend it.

It just seems to be a big shame votes were bought with a less than transparent promise.

[joelle]

I agree, but many haven't as they intend to return to what they still consider their home when they've made their 'fortune'. There will be hundreds, probably thousands in Hua Hin alone who will receive the credit, but be unable to spend it.

It just seems to be a big shame votes were bought with a less than transparent promise.

No doubt they'll find a way round it

[Dannie Boy]

I don’t think any politicians word can be relied upon in any election - it’s happened many times in the UK so it’s no surprise when it happens here - I’m sure there are far more serious things to worry about!!

[Big Boy]

No doubt they'll find a way round it

Yes, of course, I did that within a minute for the 3 different scenarios, but I've advised my family not to. Why stoop to the Government's level? However, this is Thailand and circumventing Government instruction is what they do.

[Motyduke]

they will find a way to spend it at home.... trip in hometown and spending for party with family. But for me the real concern is it will not change anything for some poor people....the government say it is made to fight inequality, but dropped money like that don't change inequality

[hhinner]

Talk is that this could end up going to those who have state welfare cards. If that is the case then it would be a lot cheaper (obvs) and there would be no need for additional bureaucracy doing status checks. Even better, there should be no need for a new digital wallet, just stuff the money onto the welfare cards. Bummer for the wallet developers though.

It also wouldn't be the first broken promise of PT and this misbegotten administration.

[Gregjam]

If they gave it to all Thais then I am sure the family would find a way for that given to the three grown up kids who live abroad to be used despite them living abroad. Not that they would dream of abusing a flawed system.