The Populist Policies of the Paethongtarn Shinawatra Government: A case Study of Digital Wallets

Abstract

This research aims to: (1) study the level of public opinion toward the populist policy of the Paethongtarn Shinawatra government, with a case study of the Digital Wallet scheme; (2) compare public opinions toward this policy by personal factors; and (3) propose guidelines for improving the development of the government’s populist policy. The study employed a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires from 388 respondents in Tromphrai subdistrict, Sikhoraphum district, Surin province, selected by multi-stage sampling using Yamane’s formula with a confidence level of 95 percent. The reliability coefficient of the questionnaire was 0.915. Qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 14 key informants, including local administrators, community leaders, and representatives of the public sector. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, and one-way ANOVA.

The results revealed that the overall public opinion toward the populist policy of the Paethongtarn Shinawatra government, focusing on the Digital Wallet project, was at a high level. Considering each aspect, the appropriateness of the target group ranked the highest (  = 3.73, S.D. = 0.758), followed by the consistency with public needs (  = 3.70, S.D. = 0.861), understanding of the policy ( = 3.53, S.D. = 0.853), economic value and impact (  = 3.50, S.D. = 0.850), and transparency and management ( = 3.50, S.D. = 0.850), respectively. Comparative analysis showed that gender, age, education, and occupation did not significantly differ in opinions toward the policy. However, income levels and registration for the Digital Wallet benefit demonstrated statistically significant differences at the 0.05 level.

The policy development guidelines suggested include: (1) improving clarity and communication to ensure equitable access; (2) specifying target groups such as low-income earners and vulnerable populations; (3) integrating the Digital Wallet policy with long-term economic empowerment and career development initiatives; (4) enhancing transparency through independent financial audits; and (5) shifting from temporary cash transfers to sustainable capacity-building programs. The study concludes that while the Digital Wallet policy has stimulated short-term consumption and political engagement, it requires structural reforms emphasizing transparency, inclusiveness, and sustainability to serve as an effective and responsible populist policy in Thailand’s digital economy.