Bangkok: Siriphong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, has assured the public that the suspension of mule accounts will not disrupt the government's popular "Half-Half" program, despite concerns regarding account freezes and financial instability.
According to Thai News Agency, Siriphong emphasized that the "Half-Half" scheme operates independently through a dedicated application, ensuring its continuity irrespective of account suspensions. He highlighted ongoing discussions with the Bank of Thailand to potentially reduce the suspension duration from three days to four hours, thereby minimizing the impact on individuals whose accounts have been mistakenly frozen.
Siripong addressed the issue of mule accounts, noting that the Bhumjaithai Party has been aware of the situation for some time. He clarified that those affected are not widespread, although certain individuals involved in trading digital currencies like bitcoin may experience account suspensions lasting up to three months. This has led to significant financial consequences for some, including bankruptcy and restricted access to financial services.
Moreover, he conveyed Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's concern over the matter. The Bank of Thailand is actively considering measures to alleviate the problem, with ongoing discussions involving various stakeholders.
Despite a recent surge in cash withdrawals, Siripong views this as a temporary issue. He underscored the importance of swiftly addressing the situation to restore public confidence. The Bank of Thailand is already taking steps to manage and resolve these challenges.