Ranong and Yala provincial transport offices are crowded with people canceling vehicle registrations after losing eligibility for the state welfare card, also known as the poverty card. Authorities have mobilized staff to assist, noting that any outstanding taxes must be paid before submitting proof to the bank.
On 20 July 2026 GMT+7, reporters at the Ranong Provincial Transport Office observed large numbers of people from all districts of Ranong arriving to check and cancel vehicle registrations, causing the office to mobilize staff from all departments to assist the public.
Mrs. Thaworn Srithong, a visitor, said she traveled from Pakchan Subdistrict, Kraburi District, Ranong Province, riding a motorcycle over 70 kilometers from home. She came with about ten neighbors because they lost eligibility for the state welfare card and needed to check and cancel vehicle registrations, including two cars and one motorcycle, all in poor condition but still registered, causing them to lose benefits. She said many people across the province are likely facing similar difficulties.
Mrs. Sunattha Theerathanun, head of the Vehicle Registration Department at the Ranong Provincial Transport Office, stated that this is the second day of a surge in people checking and canceling vehicle registrations, with numbers higher than the first day last Friday. The office has planned to mobilize staff from all departments to assist with initial checks, document preparation, and submission. If there are outstanding taxes, these must be paid in the system first before people can proceed to contact the Ministry of Finance or banks to update their records. Everyone has cooperated well.
Similarly, at the Yala Provincial Transport Office, Betong branch, on Road 410 between Yala and Betong, at the border of Betong Municipality and Tano Maero Subdistrict, Betong District, Yala Province, people who missed the state welfare card qualification have continuously come to check and correct vehicle registration data. The system indicates ownership exceeding limits because many records still show ownership of old vehicles sold long ago, wrecks, or vehicles long deregistered. They must visit the Yala Provincial Transport Office, Betong branch, to verify correct ownership data before submitting documents to appeal their state welfare card eligibility.
Mr. Kham Panyanon, a local resident, said that as an elderly person, traveling to handle the matter personally is difficult, requiring help from neighbors for transportation. He lost eligibility because the system shows ownership of more than three motorcycles, though he has sold them all. He called on the government and relevant agencies to expedite assistance, facilitate the process, and verify facts for elderly people affected by this issue.
Ms. Rujira Musimoon, head of the Yala Provincial Transport Office, Betong branch, explained that the Department of Land Transport allows people to check their vehicle ownership information free of charge by presenting their ID card or related documents at the transport office to verify ownership data for appealing state welfare card eligibility.
