Khon kaen: Khon Kaen provincial authorities are taking a proactive approach by going door-to-door to help verify eligibility for state welfare benefits, with a focus on reaching elderly residents directly at their homes.
According to Thai News Agency, administrative officials from Mueang Khon Kaen district, in collaboration with village headmen, community leaders, and local officials, are spearheading this initiative. The effort aims to expedite the verification process and ensure that all eligible individuals receive their benefits, especially those lacking internet access or mobile phone skills.
Mr. Sirapop Srireuang, Deputy District Chief of Mueang Khon Kaen, emphasized that this initiative aligns with the policy of the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration. In Mueang Khon Kaen district alone, there are 5,263 eligible individuals across 18 sub-districts, with over 1,200 people having already completed the process. Many residents face challenges such as limited time to stay updated with news and lack of internet access. To overcome these barriers, village headmen, community leaders, and officials have coordinated efforts to disseminate information and facilitate the registration and confirmation process.
Ms. Phairin Kotluecha, assistant village head of Moo 8, Sawathi Subdistrict, explained that she received a list of eligible individuals from the district office to conduct field surveys and monitor residents' status. She has been scheduling appointments for these individuals to confirm their eligibility, as most are elderly and unable to complete the process online. With community leaders and officials' assistance, they have managed to help nearly all residents in the area.
Residents like Ms. Somjit expressed gratitude for the assistance, highlighting the significant impact of welfare benefits in reducing household expenses. Ms. Somnuan, another villager, shared her experience of previously losing eligibility and noted the importance of the welfare program in alleviating living costs for low-income individuals. Ms. Ubon Saengsuwan voiced concerns about her eligibility due to tax deductions made by her child but expressed willingness to accept the outcome. She appealed to the government to continue supporting low-income citizens and urged the Prime Minister not to revoke her benefits.