Bangkok: The government is taking decisive steps to assist individuals who, despite their genuine financial need, have been mistakenly listed as directors or shareholders in companies, causing them to lose eligibility for the state welfare card. This initiative offers a chance for these individuals to verify their status free of charge at provincial commerce offices across the nation.
According to Thai News Agency, the government, through the Department of Business Development under the Ministry of Commerce, is actively working to resolve issues arising from the 2026 State Welfare Card project. The project initially identified 9,314,253 individuals who did not meet the eligibility criteria, of which 122,324 were recorded as directors or shareholders in companies, and 139,804 were listed in more than one legal entity. In response, the government is moving to support those affected by this misclassification.
Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, stated that over 700 individuals have already submitted applications for verification to rectify their eligibility status. Provincial commerce offices are playing a crucial role in this process, ensuring that citizens can verify their directorship or shareholder status in legal entities. Once verified, the results will be submitted to the Ministry of Finance for a final decision on eligibility restoration.
The government emphasizes that those genuinely in need can appeal to retain their welfare benefits if they have been wrongly listed as shareholders or directors. The initiative is fully backed by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, who has directed provincial commerce offices to facilitate the verification process.
Citizens who wish to contest their misclassification can submit requests to the Department of Business Development or any provincial commerce office, either in person or through an authorized representative, without any charges. For more information, individuals can contact the Department of Business Development Call Center at 1570 or 0 2547 4376.