Thanakorn criticized Pheu Thai's 'More than Plus 70:30' policy, saying it involves high spending but yields low results, while also mocking the unresolved wounds from the digital wallet project that left people disappointed.
On 21 January 2026, Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, Minister of Industry and a leading figure of the Bhumjaithai Party, publicly criticized Pheu Thai's 'More than Plus 70:30' policy as an enormous budget burden that may not be cost-effective. He pointed out an economic weakness that when the government covers 70% of the cost, the economic multiplier effect is low because citizens lack incentive to spend their own money. Moreover, this policy could divert funds away from more necessary infrastructure investments. He also sharply referenced the old wound of the digital wallet policy, which was announced but never truly implemented and lacked thorough financial planning, causing public disillusionment.
Thanakorn further stated that economic stimulation is not a competition over who gives more but a contest of smart budget use. He emphasized that Bhumjaithai's policy is about delivering on promises, especially the extension of the 'Half-Half Plus' scheme where the government and citizens each contribute half. This approach has proven to use budgets precisely and effectively draw private sector funds into the economy. He cautioned against selling unrealistic dreams and stressed the need to clearly address fiscal discipline to prevent public doubts as experienced before.