Thai fimin says phase two of digital wallet will cover 4 million people

FILE PHOTO: Vendors sell pork at their stalls inside a market as Thailand is to inject $15.2 bln into economy next year through its digital wallet policy, in Bangkok, Thailand, October 2, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo

BANGKOK (Reuters) - The second phase of the Thai government's "digital wallet" handout scheme will cover 4 million people and total 40 billion baht ($1.16 billion), Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said on Tuesday.

The government distributed handouts to about 14.5 million in the first phase and expects its signature stimulus measure to reach about 45 million people overall.

($1 = 34.5800 baht)

(Reporting by Orathai Sriring, Kitiphong Thaichareon and Thanadech Staporncharnchai; Editing by Martin Petty)