A national government report, still referring to the sea gypsies as ‘Thai Mai’ (‘New Thais’), marked that residents from the poor community “eagerly withdrew the funds from ATMs early in the morning to cover essential expenses”.
“Sea gypsies were seen in various areas of Phuket Town, where ATM usage spiked as people rushed to access the funds,” said the report.
“Many explained that the money would be used to purchase necessities such as rice, oil, sugar and fish sauce, while some planned to save a portion for future needs.”
In Laem Tukkae, where most residents work as fishermen or labourers, around 500 individuals out of over 2,000 villagers received the financial aid, the report explained.
One of the sea gypsies, Tangja Pramongkit*, expressed his “relief and happiness” after finding out he had received the money, the report added.
Mr Tangia shared that he planned to use it for household expenses, including electricity and water bills and to support his grandchildren’s education.
Another beneficiary, Wichai Pramongkit*, described how he had eagerly awaited this financial support to help sustain his daily life as a fisherman, the report continued.
After confirming the deposit early in the morning, he quickly withdrew the funds, intending to purchase household supplies and treat his grandchildren later in the day.
The B10,000 payment is part of the government effort to support vulnerable groups during challenging economic times, and the lively scenes at ATMs in Phuket reflect the significant impact this assistance is having on local communities.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra officially kicked off the B10,000 cash handout scheme during a launch ceremony yesterday (Sept 25).
“The payment system for the second and third phases is being developed. The Finance Ministry will provide details later,” she said.
“Today, cash will be in the hands of Thais. A cash injection of more than B145 billion will create a major economic whirlwind,” she added.
The B10,000 handout to vulnerable groups project is the remains of a core policy promise by the Pheu Thai Party last year to hand out B10,000 to all Thai citizens.
The payouts, initially touted to be distributed by ‘digital wallets’, was to cost B560 billion (B560,000,000,000) and promoted as able to give the Thai economy a B2 trillion boost.
That pre-election promise remains unfulfilled as the project came under fire from anti-corruption bodies, economists and social welfare groups.
* ‘Pramongkit’, literally meaning ‘fisherman’, is the family fame bestowed to all sea gypsies by Queen Sirirkit (HM The King’s mother) more than 20 years ago so they could be issued Thai government ID cards, so they could be recognised as citizens.