Bangkok: Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for the state welfare card, specifically addressing concerns over the disqualification of parents whose children use the card for tax deductions. Ekniti revealed that he had discussed the matter with the Prime Minister, who is worried about the current tax deduction criteria for those caring for their parents. The Prime Minister is concerned that some children might claim the deduction without actually providing care for their parents, potentially leading to unfair disqualification of parents from welfare benefits. As a result, the Prime Minister has instructed a review, and Ekniti has tasked the Ministry of Finance with expediting this process.
According to Thai News Agency, Ekniti highlighted ongoing complaints over the past decade regarding individuals who are not truly in need but continue to receive welfare benefits. He emphasized the need to remove such individuals from the state welfare card program and redirect them to other support programs. Those affected will have the opportunity to apply for the Thai Help Thai Plus 40/60 project instead. Ekniti assured that even if individuals are removed from the welfare card program, they can still benefit from the Thai Help Thai Plus initiative. The expedited review process aims for completion by July, allowing those removed from the welfare card program to transition to the Thai Help Thai Plus program by August.