Thailand Eases Welfare Card Rules for Older Vehicles, Benefiting Millions

Thailand's Ministry of Transport has announced a policy to relax the age requirements for vehicles under the government's welfare card system. This revision means that owners of cars over 20 years old and motorcycles over 15 years old may now be eligible for welfare benefits. It is estimated that up to 2 to 3 million people could newly benefit from this change. According to Deputy Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat, approximately 200,000 individuals have already filed appeals to have their rights restored at the Department of Land Transport following this policy adjustment. Currently, a one-stop service system, linking district offices and land transport offices, has been introduced in some areas, with plans to consolidate all related information for the Ministry of Finance by August. Furthermore, consideration is being given to those who find it difficult to travel, particularly the elderly and disabled. Based on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's directive, the Ministry of Interior will coordinate with village heads and sub-district chiefs to provide assistance with procedures and information gathering through home visits, aiming to prevent eligible individuals from being overlooked. The Deputy Minister stated that any complaints or inquiries regarding welfare benefits received through various channels, either to the Department of Land Transport or directly to him, will be promptly investigated, and those who meet the eligibility criteria will be granted their rights quickly. This policy aims to expand support for citizens facing economic hardship, while also encouraging the maintenance and utilization of older vehicles. The average age of vehicles in Thailand has been increasing, and consideration for these demographics has been called for. This revision is expected to deepen the integration of welfare policies and transportation infrastructure policies. Source: INN News