Thailand Adjusts Welfare Card Rules for Students
Thailand is expanding welfare card eligibility to include students in non-formal education and vocational programs, recognizing they develop job skills outside traditional schooling. The government will adjust screening criteria starting im
The government plans to revise welfare card eligibility standards to include students outside formal education systems, recognizing they pursue additional learning for professional skill development. At a July 20 press conference at Government House, Transport Minister Siripong Angsakulkiattikul, Interior Minister Palpeer Suwannachawi, and other officials addressed welfare card appeals related to their ministries.
Siripong apologized for inconveniences in implementation, noting that while screening criteria were designed to help eligible recipients, practical application revealed some limitations causing public difficulty. The Land Transport Department has already offered accommodations since July 17. He assured citizens that those deserving benefits will receive them.
Beyond transport issues, Siripong emphasized the need to adjust standards for students, particularly those in non-formal education systems including the Office for Non-Formal Education (ONFE) and vocational programs. These students pursue learning to build life skills for employment. The government will adjust criteria so such individuals are not disqualified solely on student status; the Finance Ministry will consider other factors. Education Minister Akkanung Kannikitthianan announced that from tomorrow, new standards will allow ONFE students to obtain the state welfare card, with vehicles exceeding 20 years and motorcycles exceeding 15 years potentially qualifying under revised rules.
