Residents camped outside banks hoping to appeal their State Welfare Card rejections caused by information that doesn't match current circumstances. Some declared that if errors continue to affect their livelihoods, it might be time to reconsider the new government's management approach.
On 20 Jul 2026 GMT+7, reporters observed that after the announcement of State Welfare Card registration results, many applicants were rejected and had to file appeals. In Uttaradit province, outside the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) branch in Laplae district, a large crowd gathered early before the bank opened to check statuses and submit appeals for those who failed the registration criteria. Officials had to organize the queue and add service points to manage the crowd.
Inquiries with those seeking assistance revealed most were affected by decisions based on outdated information. Mr. Boonsong Mootan, 70, from Chai Chumphon subdistrict, Laplae district, said he was disqualified because officials claimed his income exceeded 100,000 baht, which was inaccurate. The data cited was old, from when he served as a Subdistrict Administrative Organization councilor—a position he no longer holds.
“The government's review seems to have errors; the information is outdated, causing genuinely eligible people to be unfairly excluded,” Mr. Boonsong said.
The overall atmosphere was tense, with many expressing dissatisfaction with the government's data management system. Some villagers warned that if the government continues to allow such errors affecting their livelihoods, it might be time to reconsider the new government's administration to stop ongoing failures.
Additionally, elderly groups voiced hardship over the costs and time spent traveling to review their eligibility. BAAC officials have prepared teams to advise and assist with document submission, urging applicants to bring complete paperwork for efficiency. Despite large numbers, the situation remains orderly so far.
At the BAAC branch in Mueang district, Nong Chang district, Uthai Thani province, people began queuing before the bank opened, mostly elderly and disabled individuals.
Mr. Somkuan Boonchuay, 71, said he came to re-verify his identity at the bank. He acknowledged difficulties despite having held a State Welfare Card during Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s term and having used it continuously. Under Prime Minister Anutin’s government, he now must verify identity again through a complicated process, traveling over 20 kilometers one way, spending money on fuel and time waiting to confirm his identity.
Mrs. Pismay Laoman, 60, from Nong Tao village, Mueang district, said she came with her husband, who is deaf in both ears, to appeal after the system wrongly reported that she owned a car. In reality, she only has an old motorcycle and has never owned a car. She needed to ask the bank what to do next, which involves going to the Department of Land Transport to verify if a car is actually registered to her.