The Ministry of Finance in Thailand has defended its digital wallet initiative, intended to not only provide relief to vulnerable groups but also stimulate the economy. The scheme, set to launch in the fourth quarter, will distribute THB10,000 (USD270) to 50 million Thais to spend locally over six months. Despite the Bank of Thailand’s suggestion to target the poor and reconsider the need for stimulus given satisfactory consumption levels, Secretary Paopoom Rojanasakul argued that current manufacturing and capacity indicators suggest a fragile economy. The government aims to use the THB500bn program to kick-start economic activity and claims it could boost GDP by 1.2 to 1.8 percentage points in its first year. Funding for the project will come from the 2025 budget, reallocation of 2024 funds, and borrowing from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives.