That sounds very familiar. Made a comment to my department leader back then that we should have someone to keep an eye on the quality of our partners in Asia. About 2 months later all my belongings where in a suitcase and I was on the plane with a one way ticket. That was nearly 10 years ago. In hindsight the most important decision in my life (so far).
Actually it’s quite clever. In Thailand the biggest companies belong to extremely rich and very secretive families. Giving the digital wallet money to the people, but at the same time limiting where you can use it and what you can buy with it. This will make sure the money ends up in the pockets of the rich families. Keeping Election promises, a good PR Spin, and padding the pockets of the people that keep you in power. All at the same time.