Thailand Auto-Exempts Old Vehicles From Welfare Card Criteria
Thailand is automatically exempting owners of vehicles over 20 years old from state welfare card eligibility requirements, potentially benefiting up to 1 million people immediately. The government is also opening one-stop service centers at
Transport Deputy Minister Siripong Angsakulkiattrakul announced on August 5, 2569 (2026) that the Department of Land Transport has completed preparations to streamline the state welfare card eligibility criteria. The government will automatically exempt owners of vehicles over 20 years old or motorcycles over 15 years old from certain assessment requirements, potentially benefiting approximately 1 million people based on current data. By mid-August, the department will consolidate all information and submit it to the Ministry of Finance for the first round of eligibility review.
Since the cabinet meeting, over 200,000 citizens have submitted additional appeals at transport offices. Officials are handling complaints from all channels and expediting case-by-case resolutions. The implementation is expected to result in 2-3 million additional people qualifying for state welfare card benefits.
Beyond Transport Ministry efforts, the Prime Minister has instructed the Interior Ministry to open one-stop service centers at all district offices nationwide. Officials will also conduct home visits to assist vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled who cannot travel easily. These citizens can wait at home or inform their village headmen of their needs, who will coordinate with district offices directly. "This approach will reduce anxiety and ensure no villager is overlooked in receiving these welfare benefits," Siripong stated.
