Bangkok Post
Welfare rules spark backlash
Compiled by KHAO Editorial — aggregated from 1 outlet. See llms.txt for citation guidance.
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A wave of public criticism has erupted over the government's revised eligibility criteria for the state welfare card programme, under which parents may lose their entitlement to benefits if their children claim tax deductions for parental support.
Key facts
- A wave of public criticism has erupted over the government's revised eligibility criteria for the state welfare card programme, under which parents may lose their entitlement to benefits if their children claim tax deductions for parental
- Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the issue was not anticipated by the government, but confirmed that no changes would be made to the current round of screening because the registration process had already been completed
- Meanwhile, Finance Ministry spokes- man Vinit Visessuvanapoom said the government would continue screening applicants under criteria already approved by the cabinet for the 2026 state welfare card programme.
- The Finance Ministry opened registration and eligibility confirmation for the 2026 state welfare card programme yesterday
Summary
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the issue was not anticipated by the government, but confirmed that no changes would be made to the current round of screening because the registration process had already been completed. Feedback received would instead be used to improve future iterations of the programme.
The controversy centres on a provision under the revised criteria whereby parents whose names are used by their children to claim tax deductions for parental support may lose eligibility for the state welfare card, commonly known as the welfare card for low-income earners.