A coalition of organizations against drunk driving is advocating that beneficiaries of the government’s 10,000-baht financial aid avoid using the funds to purchase alcohol, aiming to decrease accident risks.
Phattarabhandhu Krissana, head of the Network of Victims Against Drunk Driving, emphasized that the money should be used for essential needs or investments instead of alcoholic drinks, warning that consumption could cause accidents and potentially disable the drinker or others.
He explained that the network, together with the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation, advises those who received the grant to dedicate a portion of it towards their vehicle taxes to enhance their protection on the roads.
Mr. Phattarabhandhu noted that several members of this 15,000-member network are among the beneficiaries, providing a crucial financial boost during tough economic times.
This appeal comes in the wake of the government distributing 10,000 baht to 12.4 million welfare cardholders and 2.1 million people with disabilities to invigorate the economy.
The government has focused this assistance on the most vulnerable populations, with the final group set to get their payments by tomorrow. A government official revealed plans to potentially reduce future disbursements to 5,000 baht per person as part of the next phase of the program.
This proposed cutback is driven by the need to reallocate funds towards the rehabilitation of extensive flood damage, the source added.
For fiscal year 2025, approximately 152.7 billion baht has been allocated for this initiative, with some of this budget expected to be redirected to support flood victims.
Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul mentioned that the surge in cash withdrawals following this initiative highlights the financial desperation of the recipients, indicating that their expenditures will likely spur economic growth.
Sirikanya Tansakun, an MP from the leading opposition People’s Party, criticized the reduction of the cash handout from 500 billion baht to 145 billion baht, arguing it will fall short of boosting GDP as anticipated.
“It’s unlikely that we’ll see a jump in economic activity, and many business operators are already complaining that business remains slow despite the handout,” she stated.
