Thai PM expects multibillion $ handout scheme to be rolled out by May

FILE PHOTO: Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister of Thailand, speaks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in San Francisco, California, U.S., November 15, 2023. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo

BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand's plan to kick-start its economy via a $14.3-billion cash handout programme will proceed by May, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told reporters on Tuesday.

His comments come after the Office of the Council of State, an independent panel that provides legal advice to governments, found no reason that would prohibit Srettha's cabinet from borrowing to fund the scheme.