PRIME MINISTER Paetongtarn Shinawatra refused to confirm news circulating today (Sep. 27) that the second phase of the 10,000 baht cash handout will be slashed by half to 5,000 baht, Amarin TV said.
Questioned by reporters at Government House about second phase’s cash giveaway to over 30 million people being cut to 5,000 baht, Paetongtarn replied, “Wait a bit, wait for the Treasury Department to confirm, there are options, if I explain now it (the explanation) would be too short.”
She later said that it would be better to give an interview on this issue after the cabinet meeting.
Under this Pheu Thai-initiated populist handout campaign, some farmers and other people in “fragile” category totaling 14.5 million started receiving the 10,000 baht grant in full from last Wednesday (Sep. 25)
Asked about rumours that Palang Pracharath deputy leader Mr. Santi Promphat and party director Mr. Warathep Rattanakorn were getting ready to skip over to Pheu Thai, the prime minister just smiled and did not answer.
However Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said he only found out about this from newspapers and that no discussions had been held with either of them.
Renegade MP Thammanat Prompao last month led an exodus of 20 Palang Pracharath MPs from the former coalition party to practically lend support to the Pheu Thai-led government in the foreseeable future.
CAPTIONS:
Top: Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra seated next to Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Photo: Amarin TV
Front Page: Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Photo: Thai Rath
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