Elderly Upset Over Stricter Welfare Card Eligibility in Thailand

A group of elderly people in Nonthaburi, Thailand, are expressing strong anger and frustration after the government's stricter eligibility criteria for the state welfare card, commonly known as the 'card for the poor,' led to them losing their payouts. According to a report by Amarin TV on July 20, impoverished elderly individuals gathered at the Nonthaburi Transport Office to submit petitions. They sought documents confirming their poverty and stating they do not own any cars or motorcycles, as such ownership now disqualifies them. Protesters claim that officials are revoking their welfare cards, alleging ownership of vehicles even when they are mere wrecks and undrivable. They have been instructed to report to the provincial transport office to provide evidence that their vehicles are genuinely broken down, wrecked, or have been sold. Ms. Kannika Deeying, 70, one of the complainants, angrily stated that officials claimed she owned two cars, thus disqualifying her. In reality, she explained, one car is wrecked and the other was sold for scrap. She expressed confusion over the criteria used to determine eligibility. Initially, she was told to file a police report and visit the provincial transportation office, with assurances of no charges. However, upon arrival, she was informed of associated costs and the necessity of a police report. Mr. Sitthiprasert Wiriyabancha, 73, revealed that he had received the welfare card for nine years but was disqualified this year under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. He is blind in one eye and currently only receives a disability allowance. Officials cited car ownership as the reason for his disqualification, and he even offered to show reporters his wrecked car. The affected elderly individuals plan to march to the Finance Ministry to demand an explanation, estimating that tens of thousands of people might be in similar situations. They also sarcastically remarked that Prime Minister Anutin is so capable he can make the poor rich enough to no longer qualify for the 'poor person's card.'