Bangkok: The Cabinet has approved a plan to streamline the state welfare card system, with preparations underway to reopen registration and screening within the next month. Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, announced this development following a Cabinet meeting, emphasizing the state's intent to revamp the welfare card registration process.
According to Thai News Agency, the Cabinet has authorized the Ministry of Finance to initiate a new registration phase for the welfare program. This involves establishing clear guidelines and criteria to identify eligible participants. The eligibility criteria will remain largely unchanged, with an annual income cap of 100,000 baht, though students will no longer be eligible for the program. The focus will be on income and overall eligibility, with a more rigorous data verification process to ensure aid reaches the most needy.
The Prime Minister has directed various agencies, including the Ministry of Interior, to facilitate the process and ensure widespread access to the program's benefits. The registration is anticipated to begin within a month, allowing time for the eligibility verification process to follow. However, specific details are pending further clarification from the Ministry of Finance.