On May 21, political activist Sonthiya Sawasdee submitted a petition to Thailand’s Election Commission (EC), requesting a constitutional ruling on the government’s decision to postpone its flagship 10,000-baht digital wallet handout, a campaign policy of the ruling Pheu Thai Party.
Sonthiya argued that the delay could violate Article 258 of the 2017 Constitution, which governs political reform and requires that campaign policies undergo comprehensive study, review, and risk assessment. He questioned the legitimacy of Pheu Thai's ongoing postponements and claimed that their original promise to implement the scheme within 90 days of taking office has long expired.
He criticized the recent justification given by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra—citing international crises like the Ukraine and Israel wars—as irrelevant and unreasonable. Sonthiya also accused the two Deputy Finance Ministers from Pheu Thai of misleading the public regarding the implementation timeline.
He urged the EC to consider regulations requiring political parties to propose feasible and accessible policies in future elections. He warned that failure to deliver the promised cash handout erodes public trust in democratic institutions and may discourage citizens from believing in political pledges.
If the EC refuses to act, Sonthiya stated he will escalate the matter to the Constitutional Court, seeking a ruling on whether the policy contradicts the Constitution and represents an unlawful campaign promise.