Finance Ministry Extends Welfare Card Benefits for Two More Months
The Finance Ministry is extending welfare card benefits for two additional months through September 30 to accommodate an extended appeals deadline, with all programs set to restart uniformly on October 1.
On July 22, Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angskakul announced that the Finance Ministry is preparing to extend welfare card benefits for people whose rights were suspended during the appeals process for an additional two months, starting fresh for all programs on October 1. The proposal is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet on July 27.
Originally, the appeals period was to end on July 31, which would have resulted in a 60:40 benefit reduction on August 1 for those who did not renew their rights. However, since the appeals period has been extended to September 21, an extension of benefits is necessary. According to the Prime Minister's directive, the goal is to provide maximum convenience to the public, particularly for elderly citizens and people with disabilities who may have difficulty traveling to file appeals. The government plans to provide on-site assistance in communities.
The Finance Ministry is requesting to extend welfare card benefits through September 30, allowing all programs to restart uniformly on October 1. Siripong stated that following this, the Finance Ministry will present the matter to the Public Sector Committee before submitting a recommendation back to the Finance Ministry and then to the Cabinet for approval, which is expected on Monday, July 27.
