Parliament, Former Deputy Finance Minister opposes the policy of giving out 10,000 baht. Point out that many countries do not use Worried that there will be counterfeit digital money – encroaching on the treasury – wasting savings funds for no reason. Recommend targeting groups to help the poor No need to give to millionaires
Mr. Pisit Leeatham, former Deputy Minister of Finance As Chairman of the Policy Committee Democrat Party Mentioning the government’s digital wallet policy of 10,000 baht that will be distributed to citizens aged 16 years and over, he said that he felt sorry for the budget that would have to be used over 560 billion baht because if it were to help poor people. 10 million people or about 100 billion baht, I can accept it, but if I were to distribute it to the people Even though you are wealthy or middle class as well It would be a waste of making chili paste to dissolve the river. Because the government can use that money to benefit the country. Many public utilities can be built, such as building a high-speed electric train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai with a budget of just over 400 billion baht. And I agree with the academics who protested that it was an improper use of money.
The former deputy finance minister also said he was concerned about the fiscal compensation for the policy. The two Deputy Ministers of Finance will use government tax revenue that is higher than the target. In practice, the budget that the government can collect exceeds the target. It has become the national treasury.
“If the government uses this money, it will encroach on the national treasury. Or will use the money from the Government Savings Bank? Such money is also the money of students. that encourages people to save money But the government is setting a bad example. Distribute the money for consumption. Therefore it is a contradiction. Spend your savings create public debt In the future, people will have to pay taxes back to the government,” Mr. Pisit said.
Therefore, the government’s official compensation guidelines So it’s still not clear. and do not believe in the government The target is to have a deficit of no more than approximately 700 billion baht because they do not believe that the budget of 560 billion baht that the government will distribute to the people. It will be part of the budget for 2024 because the budget cannot be cut. to be used with this policy Because such money must have a source. to compensate for the country’s deficit as well As for money outside the budget, it is used for investment. For the benefit of the country’s finances If used for wasted play It will affect the country’s financial system. Therefore, I do not believe that the government will dare to risk its own future to make such a policy. Because many independent organizations have already appointed committees to examine such policies.
Mr. Pisit said that no government in any country has used digital currency yet. or even the largest bank in America. Has also announced that it is not involved with cryptocurrencies at all. Since there is no transparency and corruption is possible, it is doubtful that the government will adopt such a model. Including the Bank of Thailand Act It clearly stipulates that the issuance of currency It is the authority and duty of the Bank of Thailand. Unless permission is granted by the Minister of Finance, the Minister must have reasonable grounds for granting permission to issue forms of currency. Because if fake digital money is created There must be someone responsible. Therefore, we ask lawyers to consider it carefully. and believe that the Bank of Thailand itself will not agree with such policy
As for if the government confirms that it will continue with the said policy. Will it be a repeat of the rice pledging policy? Because academics and politicians have warned that it will be a financial disaster for that country. The former deputy finance minister said falling stocks reflected investor sentiment. Therefore, I am not sure whether the government has carefully considered this matter or not.
“I myself do not agree with this policy 100%, but I agree with helping the poor. Therefore, there is no need to give money to every citizen. And taking care of the poor can be divided proportionally, such as 10 million people, etc.,” Mr. Pisit said. – Thai News Agency
Source: Thai News Agency