Urge the government to clearly explain the source of digital money before giving it away.

Parliament "Senator Chalermchai" points out that digital money policy risks violating the constitution. Urge the government to explain the source of the money that will be distributed to the people. Warn the Election Commission of violating the law, promising to make it clear. Don't let it happen again in the next election.

Mr. Chalermchai Fueangkon, member of the Senate (Senator), discussed the report of the monitoring committee. Recommend and expedite national reform Preparation and implementation of the national strategy (National Strategy) by discussing political aspects. Stipulated in the 2017 Constitution, Section 258 A (3) that specifies the responsible mechanisms of political parties. In announcing policies that determine the responsibilities of political parties that did not analyze the cost-effectiveness effects and all-round risks which from following What are the mechanisms of the Election Commission? To make political parties responsible for announcements In particular, advertising the policy cannot be done. In addition, it was found that in the past elections many political parties announced populist policies to distribute money to the people. including the Phalang Pracharath Party, the Kao Klai Party, and the Ruam Thai Sang Chat Party.

“But the policy that created the most buzz and resonated with the people was the Pheu Thai Party that distributed 10,000 baht in digital wallets to people aged 16 years and over in a total amount of 560,000 million baht, regardless of whether it violated election laws or was a violation. Buy votes in advance or not. If you look at the Election Act, Section 6 and Section 73 clearly state that candidates or anyone is prohibited from making, offering or promising to give. Any other assets or benefits that may be calculated as money If violated the penalty is 1-10 years imprisonment and 20 years disqualification from politics. Therefore, the Pheu Thai Party is the leader in forming the government and has this policy. And there were people who complained to the Election Commission, but the Election Commission responded in the manner that if they used government money to distribute it, it would not be considered wrong. Therefore, it is considered that the first button was worn in a very wrong way. Because the Election Commission has not considered relevant laws. Therefore, I do not know what criteria are used to measure that it is not a policy that promises to be given. There's nothing wrong with giving away money. In the future, problems may arise. Where does the money come from? Therefore, it is recommended that the petitioner submit a complaint to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to take legal action against the Election Commission for intentionally performing its duties and using its power contrary to the Constitution. The 10,000 baht digital policy is at risk of violating the constitution and the Fiscal Discipline Act of 2018 and on the day of the government's policy announcement. Any project that requires money must clarify the source of income. Spending on policy implementation But it appears that there was no clarification at all. Therefore, it is considered that on the day of the policy announcement, Section 62 was violated,” Mr. Chalermchai said.

Mr. Chalermchai said that the government has always given news. that they will not borrow money to use in the digital money policy of 10,000 baht, but will use Section 28 of the Fiscal Policy Act, which assigns the Government Savings Bank to pay the money first and carry out this project But when going to open in Government Savings Bank Act 1946, Section 7, it appears that the 10,000 baht digital money project is not within the duties, powers and scope of the Government Savings Bank. As for the Prime Minister setting the milestone that 10,000 baht of digital money will be credited to people's accounts on February 1, 2024, I would like to ask where the money came from. Because the draft has just been considered. Budget Act for 2024, estimated in January The announcement will be in April, indicating that the Cabinet will probably use the method of borrowing money from state banks or Government Savings Banks. The loan must be government money. “Whichever method is used must be carefully and strictly considered. Therefore, we would like to warn that this project should be especially careful. Because there have been complaints from many agencies. Where will the government get the budget money from? Why not pay in cash directly into your bank account? And why did the Pheu Thai Party, the leader who formed the government, not analyze the impacts and the worthiness of the risks? Be careful before coming out to campaign. In order to be constitutionally correct, I would like to request that the Election Commission must establish a mechanism that determines the responsibilities of political parties in announcing policies. in order to avoid damage in the future Especially the 10,000 baht digital policy project is a clear promise to give. Hopefully the Election Commission will not allow policies like this to come out again in the next election,” Mr. Chalermchai said. - Thai News Agency

Source: Thai News Agency