Prime Minister Anutin summoned ministers to discuss issues with the State Welfare Card before the Cabinet meeting, greeting the press in Chinese. Four ministers were absent from today's meeting.
At 10:30 a.m. on 21 July 2026 GMT+7. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul chaired the Cabinet meeting at Government House. Before the meeting, he called relevant ministers to discuss at the Thai Khu Fa Building the adjustment of criteria for the State Welfare Card (commonly known as the 'poor card'). This followed the removal of benefits for many citizens who previously qualified. Attending ministers included Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Aekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Minister of Transport Siripong Angkasungkiat, Deputy Minister of Interior Ponpeer Suwannachavee, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Pradorn Prissanantakul, Permanent Secretary of the Interior Artsit Sampantharat, among others.
After the meeting, reporters tried to ask the Prime Minister about the State Welfare Card issue, but he did not respond, only turning to say “Nǐ hǎo” (Hello) and “Wǒ zǎo hǎo” (Good morning). Meanwhile, four ministers were absent from the Cabinet meeting: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supachai Sutthumpan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Puangketkaew, Minister of Digital Economy and Society Chaichon Chidchob, and Deputy Minister of Interior Jeset Thaiset.
