Bangkok: Critics have expressed strong opposition to the government's new criteria for the "poverty alleviation card," arguing that the policy unfairly penalizes filial children by revoking their parents' tax deductions. The debate surrounding the state welfare card program intensified with the commencement of registration, as Ms. Sirikanya Tansakul, a list MP from the People's Party, voiced her disapproval of the policy. She highlighted that the new selection criteria disqualify parents from claiming tax deductions for child support, despite previous tax laws allowing for such deductions for children supporting parents over 60 with limited annual income.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sirikanya criticized the government's approach, questioning the rationale behind denying tax deduction rights for parental support. She emphasized that if the government allowed deductions up to 100,000 baht, it would align with the support for filial children, but the current criteria contradict this principle.
In response, the Ministry of Finance, represented by Mr. Vinit Visetsuwannapoom, Director of the Fiscal Policy Office, clarified that the government must adhere to the original criteria approved by the Cabinet. The shift from family income to individual income aims to better identify genuinely impoverished individuals, given the limited fiscal resources. Mr. Vinit highlighted the need to differentiate truly poor individuals from those who misuse the system, citing past instances of misuse by cardholders. The government has also initiated an appeals process for parents whose names were used unknowingly for tax deductions, with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, directing expedited assistance for affected groups.
The registration process saw significant turnout at various locations, including Government Savings Bank and Krung Thai Bank branches in several provinces. Many people, particularly the elderly, faced challenges with online registration due to technical issues and a lack of technological literacy. Requests were made for officials or community health volunteers to assist with the registration process.
Despite the criticism, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, reported positive outcomes from the "Thai Helps Thai Plus 60/40" project, with substantial participation and economic activity generated since its launch.
In a related development, the House of Representatives has agreed to establish a special committee to investigate the spending of a 400 billion baht loan approved under the Emergency Decree. The committee will have 90 days to complete its investigation and propose any necessary amendments.