Finance Ministry Urges Data Updates After Welfare Card Scheme Sees Sharp Drop in Qualified Applicants

The Finance Ministry has acknowledged discrepancies in government databases and urged applicants to update their information after the number of people qualifying for the 2026 state welfare card scheme fell sharply. This move highlights challenges in accurately identifying beneficiaries, despite the intention to direct aid to those most in need. Only 9.5 million out of 18.8 million applicants qualified for the program, a significant drop from the 13.2 million beneficiaries under the previous scheme. Of those who passed, 7.2 million were existing cardholders who retained their eligibility, while 2.3 million were new applicants. Approximately 5.99 million of the previous 13.2 million beneficiaries no longer meet the revised criteria. Vinit Visessuvanapoom, ministry spokesman and director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office, stated that the revised registration process and screening criteria are designed to ensure assistance reaches the most vulnerable. The new criteria rely on information about applicants' income, assets, and other records held by government agencies to better identify low-income earners. However, he conceded that the effectiveness of the screening process is dependent on the accuracy of government databases, which may contain outdated or incorrect information. "The review process gives people an opportunity to check their records with government agencies and update information," Mr Vinit said. Applicants who failed the screening will be informed of the criteria they did not meet and can request a review until July 31. Any updated information must be submitted by August 16. Mr Vinit also clarified two revised eligibility criteria – vehicle ownership and student status – that can disqualify applicants. Registration data from the 2022 program indicated that many welfare cardholders owned more than one vehicle or vehicles with relatively high market values, leading to vehicle ownership being included as a screening criterion for the 2026 scheme. Motorcycles, three-wheeled vehicles, and certain vehicles used for earning a living are exempt. Applicants who no longer own vehicles registered in their names, or who sold them without formally transferring ownership, were advised to update their records. Regarding student status, the criterion was introduced after authorities found many applicants registered as students were well beyond the normal age for school or university attendance. The welfare card program is intended to support low-income working-age people and vulnerable groups, Mr Vinit added.