Thailand Revises Welfare Card Rules to Help Fraud Victims
Thailand is revising its welfare card program to help fraud victims and ensure benefits reach genuinely disadvantaged citizens, after authorities discovered 20,000-30,000 cases of identity theft involving misused personal data. The governme
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanpraphas announced on July 21 that the government is rushing to hold a meeting this week to review criteria and conditions for a revised state welfare card program, with cabinet approval targeted for July 27. The initiative aims to help genuinely disadvantaged citizens, as public complaints have revealed that many unqualified applicants were receiving benefits. The Finance Ministry has identified 2.3 million additional eligible recipients who meet all new criteria.
During the review process, authorities discovered serious fraud involving approximately 20,000 to 30,000 cases where citizens' personal data was misused to register them as company directors without their knowledge, and fraudsters used their names to open stock trading accounts. Ekniti emphasized that genuine victims of this fraud will receive full assistance and benefit restoration, while perpetrators will face legal action. He stressed that companies using villagers' names as employees or board members of shell companies operated by business groups will be held accountable.
Ekniti outlined the welfare card program's principles, developed in consultation with the Interior Ministry, noting that the government will deploy officials to help affected communities. He reassured citizens that truly disadvantaged people have nothing to worry about and will receive full government support. The welfare card complements other assistance programs including elderly pensions of 600-1,000 baht monthly and disability benefits, all of which remain unchanged. The revised welfare card program will specifically target those with no existing welfare benefits.
