Fewer Thais register for $300 digital wallet than expected

Thailand’s Finance Ministry, which had expected 45 million people to apply before registration closes on September 15, said the lower-than-expected number of applications saved the government 100 billion baht from the program’s budget, according to Bangkok Post Office.

To qualify for the benefit, people must be over 16, earn less than 840,000 baht a year and have less than 500,000 baht in savings. The ministry estimated that 50 million Thais meet these requirements.

Government agencies are currently verifying the eligibility of applicants and will prioritize dissemination of materials to vulnerable groups to minimize confusion, the Thai newspaper reported. Nation Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat was quoted as saying on Monday.

According to a Thai news service, vulnerable groups include 14.5 million people, including 12.4 million state welfare card holders and 2.1 million disability card holders Thai.

The 10,000 baht benefit will be transferred to the bank accounts of these citizens on September 25, 26, 27 and 30, while applicants who are not in the priority groups will receive the funds in the next phase of the program.

Julapun said the names of eligible recipients will be released by the government once the verification process is completed.