Veerayut harshly criticized the government’s inability to manage the state welfare card criteria, which have been repeatedly adjusted. He pointed out that the criteria related to farmers’ landholding and debt do not reflect the facts, resulting in disorganized data and a lack of empathy for the people.
On 22 July 2026, Veerayut Kanchuchat, a party-list MP and deputy leader of the Popchon Party, held a press conference expressing concerns over multiple recent revisions to the state welfare card criteria. He said the problems with the new poor card criteria and the data center project disregard the people’s interests. The chaos surrounding the state welfare card is not the Ministry of Finance’s fault but reflects the Cabinet’s overall incompetence. The issue was decided collectively by the Cabinet last Tuesday, including Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Minister of Transport Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, who failed to examine the details concerning cars and motorcycles. The Minister of Social Development and Human Security also did not review details about people with disabilities and vulnerable groups. This marks the second revision of the criteria. Last June, issues also arose concerning tax deductions where parents with children holding life insurance were denied welfare benefits, and now new, even more confusing problems have emerged.
Veerayut added that he speaks on behalf of farmers regarding two criteria: landholding must not exceed 10 rai, but the government has not verified this data with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The average Thai farmer holds about 17 rai, and 60% hold more than 10 rai. Under this rule, they could be deemed ineligible as poor. For example, a farmer growing jasmine rice with over 10 rai last year earned a net return of only 1,300 baht per rai, or 13,000 baht annually. Yet, using this criterion, they would be excluded, not counting losses from other rice varieties.
Another criterion limits debt to no more than 100,000 baht. In reality, after deducting agricultural loans, the average farmer’s debt is 120,000 baht per person. Such strict criteria would disqualify most farmers nationwide from being considered poor. The party therefore suggests revising these criteria by combining multiple data sources. Currently, the Ministry of Finance uses scattered, inconsistent data. They should avoid excluding people based on a single criterion and consider multiple factors together—such as vehicles and land. Some have high debt but no income, as income depends on crop prices each year.
Meanwhile, Sitthipol Viboonthanakul, party-list MP of the Popchon Party, said the new criteria highlight the government’s incomplete and careless data handling. Existing criteria have problems mainly stemming from government agencies’ data. The government’s proposed solutions do not address the people’s hardships. The criteria are too rigid, inaccurate, and fail to understand people’s lifestyles. Regarding the 60/40 Thai Help Thai program for those whose loan applications fail, the public asks if it truly helps the needy given only two months remain, since most poor people cannot afford their 40% share.
Sitthipol also said the government extended the appeal period and set up a One Stop Service. However, proving eligibility shifts the burden onto the people. The Popchon Party proposes that the government should take responsibility for verifying poverty rather than forcing the already poor to prove their situation. State agencies must integrate their efforts.
Veerayut commented on the data center project, noting that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Aekniti Nitithanprapas announced plans requiring investment approval to include water management, environmental impact assessments, and economic value creation. However, the new criteria presented just yesterday show these three points were not considered. With investments exceeding 870 billion baht, questions arise whether the government neglected its duties. There is no environmental impact report, no water management plan, and no economic value analysis. The review applies only to new Board of Investment applicants, excluding existing ones.
Veerayut added that the 870 billion baht project has not increased local economic value. In the first five months of 2026, despite the 870 billion baht investment, deficits remain. The government claims a 10 billion baht data center project creates only about 100 jobs because most technology equipment is imported. He questions whether this is worthwhile. Additionally, the project strains water and electricity supplies in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), including Rayong, Chonburi, and Chachoengsao provinces, which have already used 73% of available water. There is no long-term planning. Water and electricity usage impacts local communities. He urges applying these three criteria strictly to existing investors as well. The government often highlights positives but ignores negatives, such as the rising electricity import costs. If data centers consume large amounts of electricity, new generation and grid investments are needed. Normally, such projects require Thai government permits as in other countries. Yet currently, Thailand offers special privileges to investors without considering impacts. These issues reflect the Cabinet’s poor performance and lack of empathy for people affected by these matters.