Starting August, Thailand’s eligible businesses and individuals can register for digital cash handouts through “Digital Wallet” - a controversial program that will cost billions of dollars.

The program is meant to give 10,000 baht (about $275) to 50 million citizens in digital money to spend at local businesses, with the aim of boosting the country’s lagging economy.

However, economists have criticised the program, calling it an ineffective way to contribute to sustainable economic growth compared to other measures.

On this episode of Morning Shot, Punchada Sirivunnabood, Associate Professor at Mahidol University shares her insights.

Presented by: Audrey Siek 
Produced & Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)
Assistant Producer: Simone Chuah