Finance Ministry Opens Appeals for State Welfare Card Denials
The Finance Ministry is accepting appeals from people denied state welfare cards, particularly those rejected due to vehicle ownership issues, with corrected applications due by August 16 and results announced September 21. Officials say qu
The Finance Ministry is allowing people denied state welfare cards to file appeals, particularly those rejected due to vehicle ownership issues including unregistered transfers and old vehicle carcasses. Officials advise submitting supporting documentation, and if verified as factual, registrants will have their benefits reinstated.
On July 17, 2025, Winit Wisetsuwannaphumi, director of the Office of Fiscal Economics and spokesman for the Finance Ministry, announced that of 18.82 million people who registered for the 2025 state welfare program, 9.51 million qualified while 9.31 million failed to meet criteria. The ministry acknowledged public confusion and is working to resolve issues, emphasizing that the program aims to help vulnerable and low-income groups.
Regarding budget concerns, Winit stated that if more people qualify than budgeted, the government is prepared to allocate additional funds, as it is the Finance Ministry's responsibility to ensure all qualified citizens receive full benefits without numerical limits.
The ministry identified communication gaps regarding vehicle ownership criteria—the system referred to "cars" while law specifies "vehicles," covering all types. Officials are coordinating with relevant agencies to correct data by end of day.
For those with vehicle transfer issues where documents remain unregistered in the seller's name, applicants can submit evidence to appeal. Similarly, those with multiple vehicles where only some are in use—such as one old motorcycle in disrepair—can provide documentation for review, with government officials conducting field inspections. If verified, benefits will be restored.
For elderly applicants incorrectly listed as students in the system, the Finance Ministry will update records through data cleansing with partner agencies, confirming it will not use database errors as grounds to deny rights.
Applicants denied benefits who wish to appeal will be enrolled in Thailand Helps Thailand Plus while awaiting decisions. Results will be announced September 21, 2025, and approved appellants can receive state welfare cards beginning October 1. Those who failed to qualify can file appeals between July 17–31, 2025 through four channels, with corrections required by August 16.
