Thailand unveils billion-dollar handout scheme to boost economy

Pichai Chunhavajira, Thailand’s finance minister, speaks at a news conference in Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. – Bloomberg

BANGKOK: Thailand's government unveiled a billion-dollar handout scheme on Wednesday (July 24) that it hopes will boost the flagging economy but warned recipients would not be allowed to spend the money on marijuana, jewellery or lottery tickets.

More than 50 million eligible citizens will be able to begin registering for a digital payment of US$277 from August 1, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat told a news conference.