BANGKOK — At the first meeting of the Economic Stimulus Policy Committee 2025, the government approved the distribution of 10,000 baht in digital cash to 2.7 million young people between the ages of 16 and 20.
The program is scheduled to start in Q2 2025 and will allow recipients to buy anything, but not tuition fees, utility bills, and phone bills, which are considered services.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced the decision after the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The approved initiative, called Phase 1 of the Digital Wallet Scheme, is expected to be disbursed to registered recipients aged 16-20 between the end of the second quarter and the beginning of the third quarter of 2025.
The government believes this will provide financial support to parents, while the inclusion of the 20–60 age group is still under consideration.
“The digital wallet project offers numerous advantages in its first phase. Although the system is complex to develop, it offers better control over spending compared to other subsidies. The digital wallet enables targeted spending and ensures that funds flow into the economy as intended. It also provides valuable insights into citizens’ living conditions and helps shape future economic plans. This initiative lays the foundation for Thailand’s digital economy,” explained Pichai.
Deputy Finance Minister Chulaphan Amornvivat announced that the digital cash of 10,000 baht for the 16–20 age group comes with relaxed conditions. The previous negative list, which restricted certain purchases, has been completely removed.
This means that the money can be used for tuition fees, electricity bills and electronics, among other things. In addition, all types of businesses can withdraw the funds as cash, not just tax-registered merchants. However, the specific time frame for the use of the funds will still be determined per district.
The next step is to submit the plan to the Cabinet (CRC) for final approval in the coming weeks. If the program is approved, it should start as early as the 2nd or 3rd quarter of 2025.
Deputy Finance Minister Phaophum Rojanasakul emphasized that the 2.7 million young beneficiaries were selected because of their high digital adoption, strong technology awareness and greater ability to adapt to digital transactions compared to other groups.
For the next phase, the government has allocated 150 billion baht for further economic stimulus at an appropriate time, especially in the third quarter of 2025.
“We need to use these funds within Q3 because of budget constraints. The government must ensure that every baht is spent efficiently and at the right time,” Phaophum explained.
____________
