Siripong revealed good news that the government will automatically waive the "old vehicle" criteria, expecting 2-3 million more people to receive the state welfare card. Data will be expedited to the central treasury this August. The Ministry of Interior has established centers in every district to assist the elderly and disabled at home, guaranteeing no one will be overlooked.
5 August 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, stated at the Government House that the Department of Land Transport has prepared systems to solve problems and facilitate matters regarding the eligibility criteria for the State Welfare Card (commonly known as the "poor card"). This has been completed, with an automatic exemption measure applied to those owning cars over 20 years old and motorcycles over 15 years old. Based on the database, it is expected that more than one million people will qualify for this exemption.
By mid-August, the Department of Land Transport will compile and integrate all data to submit to the Ministry of Finance for initial eligibility consideration. Following a recent field visit on Friday to monitor progress, it was found that since the Cabinet meeting, more than 200,000 people have filed appeals at transport offices. Agencies are receiving complaints through all channels and are promptly resolving every case. It is forecasted that this initiative will result in an additional 2-3 million people qualifying for and receiving the State Welfare Card.
In addition to the Ministry of Transport’s efforts, to facilitate citizens at the local level, the Prime Minister has instructed the Ministry of Interior to establish coordination centers (One Stop Service) at every district office nationwide. Furthermore, plans have been made for officials to conduct home visits to assist vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled who cannot travel on their own. These individuals can wait at home or request assistance through village chiefs or headmen, who will help communicate and coordinate appointments directly with the district offices. This approach aims to reduce concerns and ensures that no resident will be overlooked in receiving these benefits.