“Digital Wallet” payments just welfare to ease cost of living, says economist

25 Sept 04:48 Key points summarised by AI

Economists dismiss the Digital Wallet scheme as mere short-term welfare, arguing it has minimal economic impact and fails to boost growth, as evidenced by prior phases yielding only 0.1-0.3% GDP increase.
Concerns are mounting over recipients using funds for debt repayment instead of new purchases, coupled with warnings from KKP Research about the scheme's potential to escalate public debt to 70% of GDP.

Lamphun in a New Light

Today 15:02 Key points summarised by AI

Lamphun illuminates its ancient city with two concurrent light festivals: the high-tech VIJIT Thailand @ LAMPHUN and the traditional Hundred Thousand Lantern Festival.
VIJIT Thailand @ LAMPHUN transforms historic landmarks into an outdoor gallery, using projections and multimedia to animate Lamphun's history, including Queen Chamadevi's story.
The Hundred Thousand Lantern Festival, part of Yi Peng, fills temples and streets with countless traditional lanterns, symbolizing Buddhist devotion and personal wishes.
These festivals offer a unique after-dark experience, blending contemporary light art with centuries-old Lanna traditions, connecting visitors to Lamphun's past and faith.