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Banks under pressure as “digital wallet” benefit cash is withdrawn

26 Sept 07:22 Key points summarised by AI

Thai banks are experiencing significant pressure and long queues as state welfare card holders withdraw their 10,000 baht cash benefit from the government's "digital wallet" scheme.
Many recipients, especially from rural areas, are withdrawing the full amount for convenience and immediately spending it on goods like mobile phones or redeeming pawned gold jewelry.
The influx of cash has led to a boost in local businesses, with some pawn shops reporting over 3 million baht in gold redemptions since the scheme began.
Police are stationing officers at bank branches to prevent unlawful debt collection, extortion, or violence against vulnerable individuals receiving their benefits, despite no reported incidents thus far.

Today 14:58 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's government will launch the "Chainat-Pasak-Gulf" water diversion canal project in fiscal year 2027, a seven-year mega-infrastructure initiative.
This permanent structural solution aims to mitigate recurrent central plains flooding by diverting water from the Chao Phraya River directly into the Gulf of Thailand, significantly reducing flow to major cities like Ayutthaya and Bangkok.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul justifies the long-term investment as a means to reduce future damages and fiscal burdens, contrasting it with the 40-50 billion baht spent annually on short-term flood relief.
Concurrently, the Prime Minister instructed officials to expand drainage capacity into the Tha Chin River and swiftly remove water hyacinths to improve immediate flood management.