• Thailand's cash handout scheme delay frustrates voters, harming the ruling Pheu Thai party's support.
• Approximately 60% of respondents favored the handout continuation, but doubts about the government's credibility grow.
• Economic forecasts are deteriorating, with slowing growth and escalating household debt complicating the scheme's implementation.

Many voters in Thailand are expressing their frustration over the government’s decision to delay a cash handout scheme of 10,000 baht ($307), a key component of the ruling Pheu Thai party's platform during the 2023 elections. Rungthiwa Pimphanit, a government employee from Nong Bua Lam Phu, shared that she is "very disappointed and angry," stating, "There's no way I will vote for them again." Her sentiments reflect broader dissatisfaction following the announcement that the scheme aimed at stimulating the economy has been put on hold, raising doubts about the government’s economic recovery efforts, according to Reuters, Bangkok Post, and Channel News Asia.

The government, under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has attributed the delays to proposed steep tariffs by the United States, which is seen as a significant political risk. Analysts like Thanaporn Sriyakul note that "no one will believe anything they say," emphasizing that the government’s failure to deliver on campaign promises could jeopardize its future. As the next elections approach in two years, officials remain hopeful that better economic conditions might facilitate a revival of the programme, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

The cash handout scheme has garnered substantial support, with around 60% of participants in a recent survey favoring its continuation. However, the failure to roll out the programme has damaged the Pheu Thai party’s credibility. Political analysts contend that having failed to implement policies that were essential to economic recovery, the party risks losing voter confidence. “The digital wallet project hasn't worked,” said Sukhum Nuansakul, highlighting public frustration over unmet expectations, as reported by Bangkok Post and Channel News Asia.

Moreover, experts are pointing out that the cash handouts have been ineffective in boosting consumer spending, with Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput stating that many recipients used the funds to settle debts instead. This raised concerns since Thailand’s household debt is among the highest in Asia, standing at 88.4% of GDP. Government strategies intended to spur economic growth failed to materialize as predicted, resulting in a mere 2.5% expansion in GDP last year, which may worsen amid ongoing economic challenges, according to Reuters and Bangkok Post.

Finally, recent forecasts indicate that economic growth may slow further, with the National Economic and Social Development Council cutting its growth projection for this year to between 1.3% and 2.3%. This adjustment reflects the longer-term impacts anticipated from the U.S. tariffs, with significant repercussions for government fiscal plans. As authorities discuss redirecting funds originally earmarked for the cash handout towards more urgent economic needs, the public remains anxious about the government's ability to deliver on its promises amidst rising criticisms of policy mismanagement, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.