Over 53,000 Non-Formal Students Appeal Welfare Card Removal
Over 53,000 non-formal education students have appealed the removal of their welfare cards under new eligibility criteria, with officials expecting around 100,000 appeals by the July 31 deadline from the 270,000 affected students nationwide
At a press conference on July 21 at Government House, Education Minister Prasert Chantharwangtong, Deputy Minister Akranun Kannakittinant, and Non-Formal Education Bureau Director Ketsathip Supavanit announced that approximately 270,000 students aged 18 and older have been affected by changes to state welfare card eligibility criteria. So far, 53,000 have registered and filed appeals, with the bureau expecting around 100,000 total appeals by the July 31 deadline—roughly 60–70 percent of eligible students.
The affected group consists of non-formal education students who have already submitted data; the total has grown to approximately 55,000 applicants and is still rising. Officials urged students who may be considering dropping out to hold off, as the Education Ministry is committed to keeping everyone in the system. Deputy Minister Akranun said the bureau will support all appeals to prevent students from withdrawing from their studies.
Director Ketsathip explained that the 270,000 students aged 18 and older have been requesting welfare cards continuously since last year. However, this year's eligibility criteria treat non-formal students differently—many are working adults from economically vulnerable backgrounds who must balance earning a living with pursuing education.
