Many needy and disabled individuals expressed their joy on Wednesday as 10,000 baht was deposited into their bank accounts under the government’s cash handout scheme. However, not all eligible recipients received the funds on the first day.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, people queued at ATMs to check their accounts and withdraw cash from branches of the Government Savings Bank and Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives in Phimai district.
Prasit Artsai, 58, a disabled man from tambon Nikhom, was thrilled to see the 10,000 baht transfer in his account and withdrew the money immediately. He shared that this financial support was significant for him, as he has leg muscle atrophy and lives with his younger sibling. Finding work has been challenging due to his disability, and he relies on a small monthly state allowance. He plans to use the cash to stock up on food, buy some new clothes, and contribute to household expenses to ease the burden on his sibling. He expressed gratitude to the government for its assistance.
However, not everyone was as fortunate. Adul Niyomyat, 49, from tambon Bot, was still waiting for his payment. Despite checking his account frequently, he had not yet received the funds and wondered why some disabled individuals had received the money while others had not. He registered for the digital wallet scheme last month and linked his account to the PromptPay system.
Ratchada Nongbun, 53, a disabled woman from tambon Nai Muang, also faced delays. She had queued to withdraw the 10,000 baht, which she intended to use for family essentials, but the money had not arrived. Nevertheless, she remained hopeful, believing it would eventually show up in her account.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced that the funds were being disbursed to the first three million eligible recipients on Wednesday, out of a total of 14.5 million targeted under the government’s digital wallet handout program, with the remainder to be paid progressively.
In Buri Ram, individuals awaiting payment frequently checked their account balances. Noi Yaemprakhon, 64, burst into tears upon receiving the 10,000 baht. “I am crying because I am extremely happy to get the cash handout. I have never received such a large sum in the last 10 years,” she said, overwhelmed with emotion.
As a vendor, her health had declined over the years, leaving her without sufficient funds to purchase goods. She supports three siblings with mental disabilities and three grandchildren who are studying. The family heavily relies on her monthly elderly allowance and the benefits for her disabled family members. Though her children occasionally send money, it is often not enough.
The 10,000 baht would provide much-needed relief for her family. She plans to buy rice, eggs, and other essentials, as well as ingredients to prepare food for sale. She expressed her heartfelt thanks to the government for its support for the poor and disabled.
