Bangkok: The Thai Ministry of Finance is set to update the registration criteria for state welfare cards in early 2025, aiming to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of welfare distribution.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chulaphan Amornvivat, Deputy Minister of Finance, disclosed that the Pracharat Welfare Committee for Grassroots Economy will soon discuss the upcoming changes. This initiative comes as part of a routine review mandated by the Cabinet, which requires the welfare cardholder data to be updated every two years. The new registration window is scheduled to open in early 2025, with the goal of finalizing the eligibility screening by March 31, 2025.
The welfare program, currently benefiting approximately 13.5 million cardholders, will introduce revised criteria focusing on income levels, asset ownership, and land holdings to verify poverty status. These changes are part of an effort to refine the support provided to the needy, ensuring that aid reaches the intended demographics. The updated re
view process also accommodates changes in cardholders’ financial status due to factors such as vocational training, income adjustments, and the deaths of recipients. This meticulous approach aids the implementation of the Negative Income Tax welfare strategy, ultimately facilitating the creation of a comprehensive welfare database tailored to assist vulnerable groups effectively.