Cabinet Extends Welfare Card Appeals Deadline to September 20

The cabinet has approved an extension of the appeals deadline for those denied the state welfare card from the original July 31, 2026, to September 20, 2026. The Finance Ministry has also requested an extension of the welfare card validity period to September 30, 2026. Current cardholders can use their benefits until September 30, 2026, while newly selected recipients will begin using theirs on October 1, 2026. The cabinet also acknowledged adjustments to criteria and principles to better align with Thai society's context and factual reality. Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angsakulkiart explained that one criterion adjusted concerns vehicle age: cars over 20 years old with low value may be excluded unless they are classic vehicles, in which case the Transport Department will review them. Motorcycles over 15 years old, under 300cc, and not classified as classic will be automatically deregistered by the Land Transport Department without requiring appeals. Cases requiring appeals include unused vehicles not yet deregistered, which can be filed at transport offices or One Stop Service Centers. The government emphasized that all channels remain open for public convenience, and from now on, One Stop Service Centers will provide full assistance. The Finance Ministry will provide additional details. Deputy Minister Siripong reiterated that criteria review represents significant government effort to improve efficiency, acknowledging that reviews may disappoint some people. He noted that the review has identified over 2 million additional people who qualify.