Thailand’s election turns into a cash splash contest to win votes

Thailand’s election season has triggered a dizzying array of cash giveaway offers from parties vying for votes, from a US$2,000 payment for newborns to debt write-offs and US$100 monthly top-ups for the poorest households to combat pay worth US$6,300. But economists warn that in a slowing economy saddled with debt amid political gridlock, such lavish pledges are highly unlikely to revive growth. Many Thais, like 34-year-old Ton, see the handouts as a distraction from the deeper problems...