Elderly Man Loses Welfare Card Over Two Defunct Motorcycles
A 72-year-old from Nakhon Ratchasima lost his state welfare benefits because two non-functional motorcycles over 30 years old remain registered in his name, despite being unable to work due to cerebral artery narrowing.
Laan Hanchawech, 72, from Nong Sada village in Nakhon Ratchasima province, has been denied state welfare benefits despite suffering from cerebral artery narrowing that has rendered him unable to work. The denial came solely because his name appears on the registration of two motorcycles, each over 30 years old and in such poor condition they cannot be used. The motorcycles have not been deregistered, though Laan has not operated them in years.
Laan worked as a welder and motorcycle taxi driver for decades to support his family, but stopped all work five years ago when his health condition worsened. His daughter forbids him from driving due to safety concerns. He was previously receiving state welfare benefits and says the assistance is vital to his monthly survival. Though heartbroken by the loss of benefits, Laan emphasizes that the two motorcycles are merely registered in his name and are completely non-functional.
Laan has appealed to the government and relevant agencies to visit and verify his actual living conditions, arguing that welfare eligibility should be based on genuine financial hardship rather than mere asset registry entries. He hopes to file a formal appeal once his daughter can arrange transportation to the distant office. With profound sadness, he asks: "Before I die, could the government please restore my welfare benefits just one more time?"
