Ministry urges data updates after welfare roll review

Thailand's Finance Ministry has admitted to discrepancies in government databases, prompting an urgent call for applicants to update their information for the 2026 state welfare card scheme. The number of people qualifying for the program has sharply decreased, with only 9.5 million out of 18.8 million applicants meeting the revised criteria, a significant drop from the 13.2 million beneficiaries of the previous scheme.

Of the successful applicants, 7.2 million are existing cardholders who retained their eligibility, while 2.3 million are new recipients. Notably, about 5.99 million existing beneficiaries no longer meet the updated standards. Vinit Visessuvanapoom, the ministry's spokesman and director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office, stated that the revised screening process aims to ensure assistance targets those most in need, utilizing income, assets, and other government agency records.

However, Mr. Vinit acknowledged that the screening's effectiveness relies heavily on the accuracy of government databases, which may contain outdated or incorrect information. "The review process gives people an opportunity to check their records with government agencies and update information," he said. Applicants who failed the screening will be notified of the specific criteria they did not meet and have until July 31 to request a review, with updated information due by August 16.

The ministry also clarified revised eligibility criteria concerning vehicle ownership and student status. To prevent disqualification, applicants who no longer own registered vehicles or whose vehicle ownership details are inaccurate must update their records. The criterion for student status was introduced after authorities found many applicants were beyond the typical age for schooling, as the welfare card program is intended for low-income working-age individuals and vulnerable groups.

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The review process gives people an opportunity to check their records with government agencies and update information