Elderly Couple in Korat Loses "Poor Card" Eligibility Over 20-Year-Old Motorcycle Ownership

An elderly couple in Korat, northeastern Thailand, has reportedly had their "poor card" eligibility suddenly revoked, solely because they own a motorcycle purchased over 20 years ago. This situation highlights the operational realities of poverty support programs in Thailand, the strictness of their beneficiary selection criteria, and challenges in their on-the-ground application. The couple claims the card was essential for their livelihood, as they depend on collecting and selling discarded items to make ends meet. It appears that the ownership of an old motorcycle was deemed to violate the income and asset criteria for eligibility. The Thai government operates the "poor card" system to support low-income individuals, with strict management based on income and asset holdings. However, cases where ownership of items with negligible current asset value, or even incurring maintenance costs, such as old vehicles, lead to disqualification have been repeatedly pointed out as indicative of a disconnect from the beneficiaries' actual living conditions. In response to this incident, the couple is strongly appealing to the authorities to understand their dire situation and reconsider their case. This matter raises concerns about the potential impact on many others in similar circumstances across Thailand. Source: MGR Online (Regional)