AI In-Brief

Thailand News in Brief

Thai PBS World

Thailand and the world, every day

AI can make mistakes. Please double-check.

Thailand’s “digital wallet” scheme not copy of 1999 Japanese model

2 Oct 05:54 Key points summarised by AI

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat refutes claims that Thailand's digital wallet scheme mirrors Japan's 1999 coupon model, citing different contexts, despite opposition MP Sirikanya Tansakul's observations.
The 10,000 baht digital token scheme, targeting Thais 16 and over for local spending via blockchain, is still slated for a February launch, pending legal compliance and safety considerations.

Yesterday 16:46 Key points summarised by AI

A dinner between Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul and Kla Tham leader Capt. Thamanat Prompow ignited widespread speculation about a potential merger between their parties.
The meeting is viewed as a strategic message to coalition partner Pheu Thai, indicating Bhumjaithai's alternative options following Pheu Thai's chief whip's remarks about not fully defending all ministers in the upcoming no-confidence debate.
A direct merger between parties with sitting MPs is currently prohibited by Section 99 of the Constitution until the House's term expires, though MPs can switch parties through dismissal or party dissolution.
These constitutional rules aim to prevent financially strong parties from easily absorbing smaller ones, a practice that historically led to single-party dominance, as seen with Thai Rak Thai's 2005 election victory.