Thai PM Pitches $16 Billion Cash Handout to Revive Economy

Thailand will dole out 560 billion baht ($16 billion) to its 55 million adults in the next six months to spur domestic demand and investment, with new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pitching the revival of a sluggish economy as his government’s top priority.

All Thais aged 16 and above will receive 10,000 baht each that can be spent on specific goods and services in their neighborhood within a set period. The government will also soon cut energy prices and offer a debt moratorium to farmers and small businesses battling loan burden, Srettha said in a customary policy statement made in parliament Monday.