New Coalition Government Expected to Launch Within Two Weeks
PUBLISHED: 31 Aug 2024 at 20:19
The incoming coalition government is set to commence its operations within the next two weeks, according to the caretaker deputy prime minister. Key initiatives, including the proposed digital money handout, are on the agenda.
While the exact date for the revised cabinet lineup submission for royal endorsement remains unspecified, it has been reported that nominations from coalition parties are under review. The Secretariat of the Cabinet and the Council of State are currently conducting a final evaluation.
All requisite procedures are anticipated to be finalized within the next 15 days, with a consideration for a three-day grace period around this timeframe.
Public anticipation is building for the government to address critical issues while preserving unity among coalition partners, reflecting sentiments from a recent opinion survey.
Despite speculations regarding the exclusion of the digital wallet scheme from the forthcoming policy statement, the deputy prime minister confirmed its continuation as a cornerstone of the economic strategy proposed by the leading party.
The initial plan involved distributing 10,000 baht in digital funds to up to 50 million eligible individuals aged 16 and above. However, economic analysts have critiqued the estimated 500-billion-baht program as excessively burdensome without delivering the desired economic impact.
Recent communications from officials suggest a potential revision, with an initial focus on distributing funds to approximately 15 million state welfare cardholders. The government will reassess the scheme’s progression for an additional 35 million citizens when the new fiscal year commences on October 1.
On Friday, the Prime Minister confirmed that the new cabinet lineup is nearly complete, pending verification of ministerial qualifications, which is expected to take about a week.
The Prime Minister stated, “Once the validating parties finalize their review and send it back to us, we will expedite the submission for royal endorsement.”
