Bangkok: Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, announced that the distribution of digital wallet money for Phase 3 will be postponed indefinitely. The decision comes without a set timeline, although reasons for the delay have been cited.
According to Thai News Agency, Pichai addressed remarks made by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who suggested that the Ministry of Finance would be pivotal in regaining popularity for the Pheu Thai Party. Pichai emphasized that while the ministry is constantly adapting and aware of its responsibilities, efforts to bolster the party's popularity have not been a primary focus, as preparations for upcoming events are currently underway.
In response to questions about potential adjustments within the Ministry of Finance, Pichai stated that the ministry is continually evolving to address various challenges. He acknowledged that the ministry is under the Pheu Thai Party's oversight, yet he refrained from directly endorsing Thaksin's perspective. Pichai highlighted that the ministry's flexibility and readiness to tackle pressing issues remain crucial.
When asked about the Treasury's alignment with the core party forming the government, Pichai expressed unfamiliarity with such matters. Despite inquiries regarding the ministry's role in restoring the Pheu Thai Party's popularity within the next two years, he confirmed ongoing efforts to that end, citing progress over the past year. Regarding the indefinite postponement of the digital wallet money distribution under the Phase 3 economic stimulus program, Pichai reiterated that valid reasons underpin the decision, although he did not specify further.