Most people oppose govt taking loan to fund digital wallet scheme: poll

The survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA Poll) from November 13-16 revealed that 50.69% of the public disagreed with the method of sourcing funds to implement the digital wallet top-up project through borrowing. They are also against the terms and conditions limiting purchases to consumer goods and consumption items.

The survey asked 1,310 respondents aged 18 and above whether it would be acceptable to secure loans to fund the government's 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme.

Following were the responses to questions posed by the poll:

▪︎ Eligibility for receiving the 10,000 baht digital wallet:

- 79.85% stated they meet the criteria

- 11.68% are unsure if they meet the criteria

- 8.47% confirmed they do not meet the criteria.

▪︎ When those unsure about meeting the criteria, or not meeting it (264 individuals in the sample) were asked about their feelings on not being eligible to receive the 10,000 baht digital wallet:

- 68.18% were not angry

- 11.36% were not very angry

- 8.71% were moderately angry

- 7.58% were very angry.

▪︎ Regarding the eligibility criteria of being a Thai citizen aged 16 years and above with a monthly income below 70,000 baht or a combined deposit in all accounts totalling less than 500,000 baht:

- 40.53% strongly agree

- 25.80% somewhat agree

- 20.31% strongly disagree

- 12.67% somewhat disagree.

▪︎ On the condition that the 10,000 baht digital wallet be used exclusively for purchasing food, beverages, and consumer goods:

- 34.66% strongly disagree

- 28.47% strongly agree

- 20.69% somewhat agree

- 16.03% somewhat disagree.

▪︎ On the government’s plan to borrow 500 billion baht to fund the scheme and an additional 100 billion baht for the coming year:

- 50.69% strongly disagree

- 18.70% somewhat disagree

- 14.89% somewhat agree

- 13.35% strongly agree.

▪︎ Overall opinion on the digital wallet policy:

- 29.92% strongly disagree

- 25.97% strongly agree

- 25.11% somewhat agree

- 18.24% somewhat disagree.

▪︎ Opinions after the PM's announcement of eligibility criteria for receiving the 10,000 baht handout:

- 29.73% strongly agree

- 26.48% somewhat agree

- 24.38% strongly disagree

- 18.84% somewhat disagree.

▪︎ Opinions of those unsure if they meet the eligibility criteria:

- 41.83% strongly disagree

- 25.49% somewhat agree

- 16.34% somewhat disagree

- 14.38% strongly agree.

▪︎ Those who do not meet the eligibility criteria:

- 65.77% strongly disagree

- 15.32% somewhat disagree

- 11.71% somewhat agree.