Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has defended the government’s push to roll out the “Khon La Khrueng” co-payment economic stimulus scheme, dismissing criticism that the scheme is a thinly veiled attempt at pre-election campaigning.
Speaking during the government’s policy statement to parliament on Tuesday, Mr Anutin stressed that the administration has only four months in office and therefore must act swiftly on measures deemed feasible and beneficial.
“There is no such thing as rushing. There is only working quickly, transparently and in the people’s best interest,” he said.
He maintained that the co-payment scheme is designed around public participation, with citizens contributing half the cost and the state subsidising the rest.
“If people do not join, the project has no effect. But if they do, spending will circulate and help stimulate the economy,” he added.
When asked about accusations of premature electioneering, Mr Anutin replied that every party engages in political messaging in parliament.
“Debate itself is also a form of campaigning,” he said, before laughing off further questions about concerns over the use of taxpayers’ money.
Opposition criticism was led by Sirikanya Tansakun, deputy leader of the People’s Party, who said the government’s policy statement lacked clarity and urgency. While acknowledging the administration’s time and budgetary constraints, she said its role should be to manage the country responsibly until the next election without making irreversible decisions or exploiting public funds.
She further questioned why it was deemed necessary for unspent stimulus funds from the previous government, which had already helped reduce the deficit and borrowing needs, to be now deployed in full by the current administration.