PM orders a review of state welfare card screening process

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas to review the screening process for state welfare card scheme applicants, 9.3 million missed out.

Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said today that the prime minister had suggested that the Finance Ministry give top-priority consideration to the hardships of the people as the benchmark for a review of the screening procedures, which will be discussed at the Cabinet meeting on Monday.

She said that the main objective of the government in implementing the state welfare card program is to provide an opportunity for “real poor people” to benefit from the scheme by reducing their cost of living and enhancing their social security.

Each card holder will be eligible to a 300-baht monthly subsidy from the state, plus a 100-baht monthly electricity bill subsidy. Due to budgetary constraints, the government has capped the number of card holders this year to 10 million, but more than 18 million have applied.

Rachada said that the government maintains the principle that aid must reach those who are really in need of help, but the government must manage its budget efficiently.

The Finance Ministry has extended the deadline for those who failed the screening process to appeal until August 30.