BANGKOK - Thailand’s new government is set to unveil a number of fiscal stimulus measures next week that will include debt suspension for millions of farmers and small businesses, and a cut in energy prices to bolster growth in an economy still reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who is a former property mogul, will reveal his coalition’s policy priorities to Parliament on Monday.

The main highlight will be a planned cash handout of 10,000 baht (S$385) each through a so-called digital wallet to an estimated 55 million adults that will act as a “trigger that will wake up the country’s economy again”, according to a policy draft seen by Bloomberg.

Mr Srettha, who also serves as finance minister, is set to say that the stimulus measures, debt suspension and fresh energy subsidies are urgent steps needed to cope with challenges ranging from geopolitical tensions, high household debt and El Nino.

The government plans to ensure electricity, cooking gas and fuel prices are at “appropriate levels”, according to the document that has been circulated to lawmakers but not released publicly.

Economic engines

“Thailand is like a sick person as Covid-19 hit us harder than other neighbouring countries and damaged our economic engines, like tourism,” Mr Srettha is expected to tell the lawmakers.

“Spending is recovering slowly to the point that there is a risk of economic recession, which is why (there is) the need to stimulate the economy.”

The digital wallet programme – expected to be rolled out within the first quarter – is the main pre-election promise of his Pheu Thai Party and will cost an estimated 560 billion baht.

Beneficiaries are required to spend the amount on goods and services in their neighbourhood within six months.

Mr Srettha and his Cabinet were sworn in on Tuesday and face the task of jump-starting an economy amid rising interest rates and a slowdown in exports due to a weakening Chinese economy.

He also needs to tackle household debt at 90 per cent of gross domestic product and public debt at 61 per cent of GDP.

Other short-term priorities of Mr Srettha’s government include boosting tourism revenue by easing visa processes and fee waivers for travellers from select countries, as well as holding a referendum on overhauling the country’s Constitution.

Constitution rewrite

The government will discuss guidelines for holding a referendum on a charter rewrite and seek a consensus. But Thailand will remain a constitutional monarchy, with the king as head of state and no plan to amend sections related to the monarchy, according to the statement.

Mr Srettha was elected prime minister in August after Pheu Thai reached an agreement with military-backed and pro-royalist parties that swung the support of the influential Senate. The deal saw Pheu Thai de facto leader Thaksin Shinawatra return from a 15-year self-exile and receive a partial royal pardon.

Mr Srettha’s administration will also work with the military to shift to a voluntary military service, as well as reduce the roster of high-ranking officials and modernise the arms procurement process. BLOOMBERG