Elderly Couple Fights Loss of Welfare Card Over Vehicle Ownership
An elderly couple in Nakhon Ratchasima lost welfare benefits after authorities discovered they owned three motorcycles, but transport officials have filed an appeal since the vehicles are over 15 years old and fall within eligibility guidel
Police and transport officials have visited an elderly couple in Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, after they lost their state welfare card benefits, despite having received them continuously. The couple—Soad, 64, and Sommai, 73—had their benefits cut when authorities discovered they owned three motorcycles registered in their names.
Deputy Police Commander Sirichai Srichaiapanya of Mueang Station and Chotika Homyok from the Nakhon Ratchasima Transport Office visited the couple's home and delivered supplies while investigating the welfare card case. Chotika revealed that the couple's motorcycles are all over 15 years old, which falls within guidelines set by the Department of Land Transport in consultation with the Ministry of Finance. She confirmed that welfare card eligibility can still be considered even when someone owns more than one vehicle, and that the transport office has filed an appeal on their behalf.
For the husband, who is blind, all three of his registered motorcycles are also over 15 years old. Officials visited his home to file the appeal since he cannot travel easily. Chotika noted that thousands of affected residents have been contacting the transport office daily, so a One Stop Service has been established with all district offices to assist those unable to visit in person. The appeal and eligibility review period has been extended until September 20, 2026, and there is no fee for checking data or filing an appeal.
