Bangkok: Ekniti confirmed his readiness to reinstate state welfare benefits for those who were deceived into becoming directors or shareholders of companies. He stated that the screening problem stemmed from incomplete government databases, not from the criteria used for consideration. He emphasized that this first review of eligibility in over five years has resulted in 2.3 million new eligible individuals entering the system, providing more targeted access to low-income groups.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, speaking at the 2026 Advanced Economic Journalists' Capacity Building Program, addressed the registration and screening process for those eligible for the state welfare card. He stated that this review of eligibility is the first database update in over five years, aiming to provide assistance to low-income individuals who genuinely meet the requirements. A total of 2.3 million new eligible individuals were selected to enter the system.
For those who were previously eligible but did not pass the screening, or were not eligible this time, Mr. Ekniti emphasized that the problem did not stem from the evaluation criteria, but from incomplete or outdated databases in some government agencies, including information on property ownership and other data. Furthermore, the new screening process has revealed to a number of citizens that their names were unknowingly used as shareholders or directors of companies, and they can now take steps to rectify the situation.
"I believe the problem isn't with the criteria themselves, but with incomplete or outdated data, particularly regarding the asset holdings of applicants and other details. However, considering another perspective, without a new survey, we wouldn't know the country's data, and no corrections would be made. The number of people deceived into registering or other schemes could be much higher. I've seen many people file police reports. If it can be proven that we were deceived, we must help and restore their rights."
Mr. Ekniti stated that this review of eligibility also provides the government with a clearer database reflecting the situation of low-income earners. It found that of the more than 9 million beneficiaries, over 5 million are working-age individuals aged 20-60. The government will use this data to formulate measures to create jobs, promote workforce skills development, and increase income opportunities, thereby improving quality of life and reducing reliance on government welfare in the long term.
'After this survey and registration of new recipients of the state welfare card, whether the benefits increase or decrease is not a problem in budget allocation. We want to help those who have absolutely nothing, ensuring the assistance is targeted and reaches them directly. Considering the annual budget, we already spend over 70 billion baht over the past five years - a considerable sum. However, we are not neglecting those who do not receive the welfare card; we provide assistance to other groups, including elderly allowances, disability allowances, and others. The government aims to help all groups of people,' said Mr. Ekniti.