The Ministry of Transport apologized to the public regarding the poor welfare card eligibility criteria. Siripong revealed he has sent a letter to the Ministry of Finance requesting new criteria: cars over 20 years old, motorcycles over 15 years old, motorcycles up to 300cc with two units under installment payments, and unregistered ownership transfers to be eligible.
At 11:10 a.m. on 20 July 2026 at the Government House, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkit, Deputy Minister of Transport, together with Mr. Phonpi Suwanchavee, Deputy Minister of Interior, Mr. Naruecha Kosasivilai, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, and Mr. Winij Wisesuwanphum, Director of the Fiscal Policy Office, held a press conference on appeals related to the state welfare card concerning the Ministries of Transport and Interior.
Mr. Siripong stated that the Ministry of Transport sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience caused during the process. The regulations were designed to screen and ensure those truly deserving receive assistance. However, upon discovering some limitations that may inconvenience the public, the Ministry, through the Department of Land Transport, has made full efforts to facilitate citizens regarding vehicle-related issues. The welfare card criteria include a rule stating recipients must not own a vehicle, with four exceptions as follows.
1. Owning a motorcycle with an engine capacity not exceeding 300cc.
2. Owning a three-wheeled vehicle.
3. Owning a four-wheeled steel-bodied passenger vehicle for hire.
4. Owning agricultural-use vehicles, limited to one unit per person.
We have received complaints from citizens that many own such vehicles that are old and no longer in use, have been lost, are beyond repair but remain registered, have been sold with unofficial ownership transfers without formal title registration, or have had their names fraudulently used to purchase vehicles.
Mr. Siripong said the Ministry of Transport has sent a letter requesting the Ministry of Finance to reconsider. The Prime Minister has given importance to this matter, leading to proposed adjustments in criteria for old vehicles as follows.
1. Cars must be over 20 years old.
2. Motorcycles must be over 15 years old.
3. For motorcycle ownership, if a person owns up to two motorcycles not exceeding 300cc and is still paying installments, they will not be disqualified from receiving the state welfare card.
Regarding concerns that some vehicles may be under 15 years old but no longer operational, land transport offices nationwide will verify these cases. Citizens can report vehicles that may be under the age limit but are no longer usable, very old, or have been parked without registration renewal. These can be recorded by provincial transport offices, which will submit data to assist citizens in appeal processes. For vehicles sold but with unofficial ownership transfers, citizens can file records with the transport office; having sales proof is helpful, but if not, verbal statements can be used.
Mr. Siripong added that in cases where a person never purchased a vehicle but their name was fraudulently used, they can appeal to the transport office, which will record the issue. However, as visiting transport offices may be inconvenient for all citizens, the office has developed forms to cooperate with the Department of Provincial Administration under the Ministry of Interior. These forms will facilitate citizens locally and be sent back for verification by the Department of Land Transport. The Ministry of Transport assures citizens that it will minimize their burden and ensure those eligible truly receive their rights.
Clarification on Non-Formal Students Not Required to Resign
Mr. Siripong stated there have also been complaints regarding students outside the formal education system under the Department of Learning Promotion and non-formal vocational education. These students are considered to be acquiring additional skills to improve their livelihoods. The government understands this need. Therefore, these groups, including those under the Department of Learning Promotion, non-formal vocational education, or other impoverished students eligible for the welfare card, will not lose their eligibility solely because they are students. The Ministry of Finance will consider other factors as well. He reassured that there is no need for these students to quit their studies, as the Ministry of Finance will evaluate additional criteria.