Thai Government’s Digital Wallet Stimulus Plan Faces Legal Scrutiny
The Thai government’s plan to distribute 500 billion baht ($14.3 billion) to citizens via a digital wallet scheme is facing legal scrutiny. The Council of State, the government’s legal adviser, initially opposed the legislation, stating that enacting a bill to borrow the money would be self-contradictory in an urgent economic situation. However, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat later contradicted these reports, claiming that the legal adviser had given the green light for the stimulus program. The Council of State clarified that its response was based on legal technicalities and did not indicate approval. Critics argue that the proposed plan may violate existing laws governing off-budget loans.
Conflicting Opinions on Legal Approval
The confusion surrounding the legal approval of the digital wallet stimulus plan continues as different sources offer conflicting opinions. While the Council of State initially opposed the legislation, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat claims that the legal adviser has given the green light for the program. However, Pakorn Nilprapunt, Secretary-General of the Council of State, denies these claims and emphasizes that their response did not indicate approval. The Council’s opinion is advisory and not binding, but it carries significant weight with the government. Critics argue that borrowing 500 billion baht for the digital wallet scheme may violate existing laws regarding off-budget loans.
Legal Considerations and Questions
The Council of State’s response to the Finance Ministry was based on legal considerations rather than economic opinions. They focused on whether borrowing 500 billion baht aligns with conditions specified in Article 53 of the State Fiscal and Financial Discipline Act. The relevant agencies will determine if this borrowing complies with these conditions. Critics have raised concerns that the proposed plan may violate Article 53, which allows off-budget loans only in urgent situations. Senate members are gathering signatures to question the government about potential legal violations and the necessity of borrowing such a large amount for the digital wallet plan.
Hot Take: Uncertainty Surrounds Thai Government’s Digital Wallet Plan
The Thai government’s digital wallet stimulus plan is facing uncertainty and legal scrutiny as conflicting reports emerge regarding its approval. While the Council of State initially opposed the legislation, a Deputy Finance Minister claims that it has received legal approval. However, the Council of State denies these claims and clarifies that its response was based on legal technicalities and did not indicate approval. The controversy revolves around whether borrowing 500 billion baht for the digital wallet scheme complies with existing laws governing off-budget loans. Critics argue that the plan may violate these laws and are raising questions about its legality and necessity.
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