Bangkok: The Prime Minister has directed the Ministry of Transport to implement a waiver on fees associated with verifying vehicle ownership rights and is considering amending laws to eliminate fines for unregistered vehicles. Siriapong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, emphasized this move as a bold step by the government to assist impoverished individuals effectively.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has tasked the Ministry of Transport, specifically the Department of Land Transport, to make the process as accessible as possible for citizens. This includes waiving fees for checking eligibility and exploring options to forgo back taxes on long-overdue vehicle registrations. The Ministry of Finance has been requested to delay the Prime Minister's instructions until a comprehensive review is conducted.
The adjustments to the criteria for the state welfare card, initially slated for Cabinet discussion, are under review following yesterday's announcement. The Ministry of Finance will also assess these adjustments. Consequently, the public is advised to stay informed about the Cabinet resolution next week to avoid confusion. The Prime Minister has proposed extending the appeal period for the public.
When questioned about the adequacy of the Ministry of Interior's one-stop service, Mr. Siripong mentioned that current channels include government applications for appeals, services at Krung Thai Bank, and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). Additional services will be available at provincial and district transport offices, and outreach programs may be organized in village halls, depending on the Ministry of Finance's guidelines. Discussions on this matter are still preliminary and will be revisited next week. The proposed waivers include vehicles over 20 years old, motorcycles over 15 years old, and vehicles under 20 years old deemed unusable.
Mr. Siripong explained that the transport department is prepared to inspect motorcycles with two owners and vehicles with current loans. For transferred ownership cases, verification letters will be issued. However, a verification process is necessary for cases where ownership was never legally acquired but fraudulently used, which may take time due to its complexity. He stressed that this initiative aims to prove ownership rights, a process that has not been previously implemented.
The government is committed to streamlining the system and ensuring the accuracy of information. Mr. Siripong highlighted the potential future consequences of "blank transfers" where property rights remain in the former owner's name, posing risks if the new owner commits any wrongdoing. This initiative aims to prevent such issues.
Despite public criticism, Mr. Siripong assured that the Prime Minister is unfazed, understanding that challenges are part of normal processes. He sees the state welfare program as a courageous government action. The new registration process aims to ensure fairness by including over 2 million more deserving individuals who may have been excluded under previous criteria, while some wealthy individuals may have mistakenly received benefits. The adjustments are intended to create fairness and opportunities for those truly in need.