Bangkok: Korn has urged the government to reassess the screening criteria for the state welfare card, particularly focusing on the exclusion of parents whose names are utilized by their children for tax deductions. He stressed that citizens should not be forced into difficult decisions regarding welfare eligibility.
According to Thai News Agency, the government acknowledges the challenges faced by children who bear the responsibility of caring for their parents. While the state welfare card represents the government's commitment to aiding individuals in need, the criteria for eligibility should not conflict with the realities faced by families struggling financially. The government must ensure that welfare benefits reach those genuinely in need while maintaining strict screening processes to prevent misuse. However, questions arise over the fairness and reasonableness of the current criteria.
When children's tax deductions involve their parents' names, it should not be assumed that the family is financially stable. A tax deduction claimed by children does not necessarily indicate that they are financially equipped to support their parents entirely. The existing condition requires that parents' annual income should not exceed 30,000 baht for their names to be used in tax deductions, a figure that should indicate vulnerability rather than financial security. This deduction only pertains to tax calculations and does not reflect the extensive financial and emotional burdens that caregiving entails, such as medical expenses and daily needs.
Korn emphasized that the appeals process is available for parents whose rights have been denied due to their names being used in tax deductions. However, this process can be cumbersome for many, particularly the elderly or those lacking digital access and familiarity with procedural requirements. The appeals process, while beneficial, can strain family relationships and reputations, especially in cases where parents must declare insufficient support from their children.
Korn highlighted that the current system appears to position state support and children's support as mutually exclusive options. In reality, many families thrive through a combination of state assistance, children's support, and personal savings. The government's approach should not penalize families striving for self-sufficiency but rather ensure that genuinely needy individuals are not unjustly excluded from welfare benefits. Korn concluded by asserting that tax benefits and welfare cards should not be viewed as competing options. Instead, they should collectively address familial burdens and parental hardships, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of family dynamics and societal needs.