Market vendors expect Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to focus on fixing the nation's economy, as rising costs affect their businesses.
The Bangkok Post visited Bang Lamphu Market in Khon Kaen's Muang district yesterday to ask vendors what they expect from the newly appointed prime minister.
Wannida Nakcha, 29, a meatball vendor at the market, said she hopes Ms Paetongtarn's priority is ending the public's economic hardships.
According to her, all vendors are experiencing declining sales while their business costs have increased.
She said, however, that it is difficult for vendors to raise the prices of their goods because their customers complain about it as they are in the same situation.
As for the digital wallet cash handout scheme, Ms Wannida said she expects the project to be continued, adding that it would be great if there were no cash handout requirements.
Arayanee Niampradit, a 62-year-old who managers Bang Lampu Market, said all the vendors there share the same concerns over the economic situation.
No other problem matters at the moment, Ms Arayanee said.
She said the market was very quiet during the recent Hungry Ghost Festival, compared to the past when it was bustling with shoppers during the holiday.
She also suggested Ms Paetongtarn should take no more than three months to boost the economy.
"She shouldn't take longer than three months because she has a team ready to work," said Ms Arayanee. "In three months, we should be able to judge if she has made the country better or worse."
Economic pain is being felt nationwide, with a deep-fried banana vendor in Maha Sarakham province saying the price of bananas has doubled, increasing from 15-20 baht per bunch to 40 baht per bunch.
In another development, deputy People's Party leader Sirikanya Tansakul said there is a rumour that the details of the digital wallet scheme, including the amount to be handed out, will be changed to conform to rules on fiscal discipline.
