Global Courant 2023-04-26 14:27:30
BANGKOK — Thailand’s ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), which has sunk to the bottom of political polls, announced a startling new campaign pledge on Wednesday: If it stays in power after May 14 elections, it will receive 30,000 baht. (S$1,170). into the bank accounts of 8 million farmers across the country.
However, the handover will be a one-off, said Charnkrit Dejvitak, spokesman for the party’s election strategy committee.
It will cost at least 240 billion baht, or S$9.4 million.
The announcement followed a meeting of the Election Strategy Commission — chaired by party leader and Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan — earlier on Wednesday.
The money will be used by farmers to invest in their farms and improve their living conditions, Charnkrit said.
It will be transferred to farmers’ bank accounts, he said, adding that the new policy had been carefully assessed by the party’s so-called “economic dream team”.
Mr Charnkrit explained: “The money will be injected into the economy quickly and will circulate in huge quantities.”
He tried to distinguish the campaign pledge from that of the opposition Pheu Thai to transfer 10,000 baht to the digital wallet of every Thai aged 16 or over, saying PPRP’s cash transfer pledge is aimed at a specific group.
“It is not a general policy that will affect the country’s financial stability,” he added.
Pheu Thai’s digital transfer campaign pledge has been criticized as a threat to the country’s financial system, though Pheu Thai members claim it will boost the economy and lead to higher tax revenues.
Mr Charnkrit said the PPRP will seek approval from the Election Commission later on Wednesday to campaign for its 30,000 baht per farmer economic stimulus plan.
It will explain to the election watchdog how the pledge will be funded. Thai law requires political parties to explain to the Election Commission how they will fund campaign pledges.
A nationwide poll of 2,000 eligible voters conducted earlier this month by the National Institute of Development Administration found PPRP’s support at just 2 percent. The candidate for Prime Minister, Mr. Prawit, did not make the top 10. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
