Thai Prime Minister donates entire salary to charity

The above information was given by Thai government spokesman Chai Wacharonke on September 28.

Mr Chai said Prime Minister Srettha believed in the power of giving, starting with himself. Mr Chai quoted Mr Srettha as saying that giving is a good thing and we should give as much as we can.

Prime Minister Srettha decided to donate his entire monthly salary to charity as the Thai government began implementing policies to create opportunities, improve people's welfare, reduce social disparities and support children'seducation .

According to The Bangkok Post , with two positions as Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Thailand, Mr. Srettha receives nearly 3,500 USD/month (including more than 2,000 USD salary and about 1,360 USD position allowance). This amount will be distributed to funds to support people in difficulty.

Thủ tướng Thái Lan quyên góp toàn bộ lương cho từ thiện - Ảnh 1.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at Suvarnabhumi Airport on September 25. Photo: Reuters

A government spokesman added that a task force will be set up to select the funds that will receive the prime minister's donation in order of priority. The Children's Fund (a non-profit organization that supports disadvantaged children) will be the first to receive it.

In addition to donating, Mr. Srettha will also spend time meeting representatives of charitable foundations to listen and find solutions to their problems.

Earlier, Prime Minister Srettha announced that every citizen aged 16 and above in the country will receive more than 280 USD via e-wallet, in accordance with the commitment made by his Pheu Thai party during the election campaign.

The money will be spent on specific goods and services over a specific period of time. The aim is to "create jobs and stimulate economic activity, while also generating revenue for the government".

Fitch Ratings estimates that Prime Minister Srettha plans to hand out $16 billion to the public, equivalent to 2.9% of Thailand's GDP.

In addition, the Pheu Thai Party also plans to spend $8.2 billion (equivalent to 1.6% of GDP) on elderly welfare over several years and increase the minimum wage and farmers' income.

However, many economists worry that Prime Minister Srettha's economic stimulus measures could further increase the public debt burden.

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