Bangkok: "Pholpeer" has directed provinces to hasten the dissemination of information, urging citizens to file appeals regarding the welfare card program before the end of August. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that eligible citizens are aware of the appeal process and can take necessary action within the given timeframe.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Interior Minister Mr. Phonphir Suwannachawi addressed the progress in identifying those who were overlooked but do not meet the criteria for receiving the state welfare card. He emphasized that appeals can be made at one-stop service centers in each province. Many citizens have refrained from appealing due to ineligibility or uncertainty about the appeal process. To mitigate this, the Department of Provincial Administration and local leaders have been tasked with visiting citizens at home to assist in the process, including verifying transportation means for reaching appeal centers.
Efforts also involve officials from the Department of Provincial Administration gathering evidence to support citizens' appeals. For individuals with additional income sources, such as horse racing accounts or horse stables, collaboration with the Ministry of Finance or the Ministry of Commerce will be initiated for further scrutiny. The focus remains on having officials actively assist citizens in the field.
Despite ongoing efforts, the number of appeals has stagnated, with citizens facing challenges related to travel and limited authority of village heads. Mr. Polpeer has instructed governors to integrate provincial efforts, highlighting the inconvenience of requiring citizens to travel long distances for appeals. To address this, district chiefs can authorize village heads to conduct on-site surveys, potentially increasing appeals before the August deadline.
When questioned about accelerating the process, Mr. Polpeer stated that his visits now serve as public relations efforts. He has tasked the director-general with enhancing publicity efforts across provinces, emphasizing the urgency of the August deadline and the September 20th document submission date. The government has not capped the number of welfare card recipients but insists on ensuring that only genuinely low-income earners qualify.