It is a political custom under governments of all stripes that they roll out a set of measures they call “New Year gifts” to the public at the end of each year. This year is no different. Despite the parties having started their election campaigns in earnest ahead of a likely May 2023 poll, and the Election Commission (EC) warning parties to beware of providing enticements to win votes, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha is going full steam ahead with plans for a year-end package of gifts, just as his predecessors have done. He has instructed ministries to propose new measures as “gifts” to …