Who's Getting Left Behind?
Thailand's government has a new plan to boost the economy with a one-two punch of stimulus programs: the 10,000 baht digital wallet and the "Half-Half 2025" (Kon La Khrueng) co-payment scheme. However, while millions will benefit, an important group is at risk of falling through the cracks. This is in addition to the 13 million people who hold state welfare cards and are ineligible for the new Half-Half program.
The Age Gap: 16 to 18
The primary group of people who are eligible for the digital wallet but might miss out on the Half-Half scheme are those aged 16 and 17. The digital wallet program's rules state that anyone 16 years of age or older is eligible to receive the 10,000 baht handout. In contrast, the "Half-Half 2025" program, based on previous iterations, requires participants to be at least 18 years old. This two-year age gap creates a significant roadblock for a segment of the population that the government originally intended to help.
While the digital wallet program was designed to be inclusive, the age-based restriction on the Half-Half scheme could lead to some unintended consequences. Those who are 16 or 17 years old and receive the digital wallet funds would be locked out of the other major stimulus initiative, which is designed to subsidize daily spending and travel.
Why Does This Matter?
The Half-Half scheme is a key measure for stimulating domestic consumption by co-paying for goods, services, and travel. It was previously very successful in boosting local economies and helping small businesses. Excluding 16 and 17-year-olds from this program means that they will miss out on the chance to benefit from a significant spending subsidy.
While the digital wallet provides a one-time cash injection, the Half-Half program offers ongoing support for daily expenses, which can be particularly helpful for young people who are just entering the workforce or are still in education. The lost opportunity for them to participate could hinder their ability to manage living costs and contribute to the local economy in the same way as their older counterparts.
What's Next?
It's important to remember that the details of the "Half-Half 2025" program are still being finalized. The government has the power to adjust the rules, and a change in the age requirement could easily solve this issue. Officials are currently reviewing the program's specifics, and there is a possibility that they will update the criteria to align with the digital wallet's eligibility, ensuring that a larger portion of the population can benefit from both programs.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as soon as the government releases the final details on the "Half-Half 2025" project. Stay tuned to see if this young group of citizens will get the chance to participate in both of Thailand's major economic stimulus initiatives.