Akeniti revealed that tomorrow afternoon (11 June), the State Welfare Committee for Social Welfare will discuss reviewing the single criterion where children use their parents' names for tax deductions, resulting in loss of poor card eligibility. He emphasized the need to adjust screening to assist those genuinely in need who have been overlooked.
At 14:50 on 10 June 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Akeniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, revealed at the Government House that on the afternoon of 11 June, he will chair the meeting of the State Welfare Committee for grassroots economic and social welfare to consider the State Welfare Card program. The focus will be solely on reviewing one criterion: the issue of tax deductions where children use their parents' names to claim rights. There will be no reconsideration of other criteria, such as land ownership.
Mr. Akeniti added that this review follows directives from the Prime Minister after receiving societal concerns and complaints recently. Cases emerged where children claimed tax deductions from March but did not actually provide financial support to their parents, causing genuinely needy parents to lose their rights to the State Welfare Card. State Welfare Card rights.
"Regarding the tax deduction rights, we have heard social concerns and sympathize with parents who say their children use the deduction but may or may not provide support. Of course, children have that right, but we also sympathize with the parents. During the review, only this single criterion will be reconsidered. The land ownership criterion remains unchanged."
Regarding the main goal of the State Welfare Card program, which provides 300 baht monthly assistance, Mr. Akeniti stressed that the government aims to help those most in need. However, data checks of 13.2 million cardholders showed some who are not genuinely needy, such as those driving well-maintained cars to use the benefit, while many truly struggling people have been left out over the past four to five years. To fix this, the Ministry of Finance will refine screening more precisely and coordinate with the Ministry of Interior to identify genuinely needy individuals missed from the 13.2 million, ensuring they can access welfare.
"The welfare cards were mostly issued every five years, not annually. Today, with 13.2 million people registered last in 2022, a review is necessary because more data is now available."
When asked about some business operators, such as Suki Teenoi, closing branches to prepare for reopening after October and reporting impacts during the past four months from the Thai Help Thai Plus 60/40 program, Mr. Akeniti said he had not yet received reports on this issue and would investigate further. He reiterated the program's core intention to help those truly in need. Regarding the progress of spending the remaining 200 billion baht in the later phase and whether additional projects will be created, Mr. Akeniti briefly stated that ministries are currently developing proposals.