Bangkok: Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the eligibility criteria for the State Welfare Card. This comes after the Prime Minister expressed concerns about citizens losing their welfare benefits due to tax deductions claimed by their children.
According to Thai News Agency, Ekniti explained that the review of tax deduction criteria was initiated after discussions with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Concerns were raised about the disqualification of parents from welfare benefits when their children used tax deductions. The Prime Minister and the Ministry of Finance recognized the public's worries and emphasized the need for fairness in the distribution of welfare benefits, which are intended to support those truly in need.
Ekniti highlighted that the last review of welfare card eligibility occurred 4-5 years ago. Since then, there have been numerous complaints that some of the 13.2 million cardholders were not genuinely needy. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the welfare card reaches those who lack other means of support. To address this, the Ministry of Interior has been tasked with identifying genuinely needy individuals who may have been overlooked. Current cardholders are encouraged to review their eligibility by June 21st to ensure that those truly in need receive the benefits.
Ekniti also addressed concerns about children using tax deductions without caring for their parents, which could lead to the disqualification of the parents from welfare benefits. He emphasized that the review process, involving the Public Welfare Committee for the Grassroots Economy and Society, was established to assess whether the current criteria are unfair to parents. The Ministry of Finance will bring the matter before this committee to ensure fairness.
Regarding the timeline, Ekniti noted that the Pracharath Committee has been tasked with the review process, which will be expedited. He explained that the salary threshold for tax deductions was applied last year and may not need adjustment this year. However, a review will be necessary next year to ensure fairness for all parties involved. Ekniti reiterated that the core goal of the welfare program is to support genuinely needy citizens, and the current review aims to address any oversights in eligibility.
For those who lose their welfare card eligibility, the Thai Help Thai Plus 60/40 program will be available starting August 1st for two months. Ekniti mentioned that many complaints have been received from individuals who are not truly in need but have been affected by the program. These individuals could apply for the Thai Help Thai Plus program if they are financially stable.
Ekniti clarified that today's meeting was not to disqualify individuals but to verify eligibility following complaints of misuse. Those truly in need, without anyone to care for them, will be referred to the Ministry of Interior. The government aims to ensure fairness and responsiveness to public opinion through this review process.