Showing 1 - 10 of 179
Central bank urged to take FIDF debt burden
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 11/05/2024
» A proposal by a Finance Ministry official to shift the debt burden responsibility of the Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF) to the Bank of Thailand (BoT) has been put forward, as the central bank is already responsible for repaying both the principal and interest of the debt.
The thorny issue of digital wallet funding
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 25/04/2024
» The coalition government led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made a significant pivot on its flagship scheme, which aims to hands out 10,000 baht each to 50 million Thais via a digital wallet, shifting from government borrowing, which drew sharp criticism and raised concerns about potential violations of financial and fiscal discipline regulations.
Scrutinising the need for overseas bonds
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 29/02/2024
» Several heads turned when the government said last week it is considering a plan to raise US$1 billion (about 36 billion baht) worth of foreign currency-denominated bonds, with some observers expressing doubts about worthiness and the risk of currency devaluation.
Government again says economy in crisis
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 30/01/2024
» The government has the authority to interpret the current economy as being in a crisis, an important criterion for the issuance of the 500-billion-baht loan bill to finance its digital wallet handout scheme, says Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat.
State borrowing to fund digital wallet plan
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 09/01/2024
» Thailand will be able to borrow to finance its 500-billion-baht digital wallet handout scheme in accordance with Section 53 and 57 of the 2018 State Fiscal and Financial Discipline Act, following an endorsement by the Council of State, says Julapun Amornvivat, the deputy finance minister.
Digging out of debt
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 28/12/2023
» Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has declared dealing with informal debt and the problems it creates a national priority, likening the situation to a form of modern-day slavery.
Office says Thailand's fiscal position can withstand shocks
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 28/12/2023
» The government can still depend on a sound fiscal position to cushion economic shocks, says Pornchai Thiraveja, director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office.
Ministry awaits council's wallet ruling
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 20/12/2023
» The Finance Ministry expects to receive an answer regarding the legality of the 10,000-baht digital wallet handout from the Council of State no later than the beginning of 2024, with the scheme debuting in May, says Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat.
Delay may blunt effect of handout
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 16/11/2023
» The digital wallet handout, estimated to cost the government 500 billion baht, is two to three months behind schedule, which may result in diminishing economic stimulus effects, says Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat.
B10,000 handout may face legal roadblocks
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 13/11/2023
» The government's digital money handout will not be implemented until the legal process for the project has been finalised, says Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat.