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Reforming Poor Card for Targeting and Cost-Effectiveness

Reforming Poor Card for Targeting and Cost-Effectiveness

Matichon•Politics•22d ago

Reader Briefing

Thai government revises 'poor card' eligibility to focus on genuine need and economic potential, aiming for more efficient fund allocation.

  • •The Thai cabinet has approved new registration guidelines for the state welfare card (formerly 'poor card') for the year 2026.
  • •The reforms shift focus from family income to individual asset ownership and economic potential, aiming to exclude those capable of self-support.
  • •The government expects cost savings from the tightened criteria, which will be reallocated to assist more vulnerable groups and address societal needs.
  • •Discussions also cover the effectiveness of stimulus programs like 'Thai Chuan Thai Plus' and potential inflation impacts.

Overview

  • •The Thai cabinet approved the registration for state welfare in 2026 to reassess income and target beneficiaries more accurately.
  • •The core principle of the state welfare card is to support the cost of living for low-income individuals, necessitating screening for genuine need.
  • •The new qualification criteria for the state welfare card will consider asset ownership in addition to income, potentially excluding individuals with assets.
  • •Individuals possessing assets may be disqualified even if their income is below the threshold, ensuring funds are allocated to the truly needy.
  • •The income threshold for the state welfare card is set at not exceeding 100,000 baht per year, with new asset-based screening.
  • •The government aims to use taxpayer money more efficiently by identifying individuals with economic potential who can support themselves.
  • •Savings from the reformed welfare system are intended to assist other groups with greater needs.
  • •The inflation rate is projected to be around 2.5-3.0% for the full year 2026, with potential short-term increases in Q2-Q3.

Full article content is available on the original source.

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Source: Matichon (Original)

Key Quotes

Unknown Speaker (Academic/Private Sector)
"The qualification criteria for recipients should adhere to the principle of screening those genuinely in need and with limited economic potential."
การกำหนดคุณสมบัติของผู้ได้รับสิทธิ จึงควรยึดหลักการคัดกรองผู้มีความจำเป็นแท้จริง และเป็นผู้มีศักยภาพทางเศรษฐกิจจำกัด
Unknown Speaker (Academic/Private Sector)
"Therefore, those excluded this time are those meeting asset criteria and potentially capable of self-sufficiency."
ดังนั้นคนถูกตัดสิทธิครั้งนี้ คือคนเข้าเกณฑ์การมีทรัพย์สินต่างๆ และอาจเป็นคนมีศักยภาพในการดูแลตัวเองได้
Unknown Speaker (Academic/Private Sector)
"This seems to be an adjustment of the base of income earners and taxpayers, as the aging society continues to exit the workforce."
ครั้งนี้น่าจะเป็นการปรับฐานผู้มีรายได้และผู้สามารถเสียภาษีได้ เพราะในอนาคต สังคมสูงวัยออกจากระบบแรงงานต่อเนื่อง
Unknown Speaker (Nakhon Ratchasima Chamber of Commerce)
"It can be said that strong and fast measures were used, stimulating the economy with high efficiency because money flowed directly to the grassroots consumers."
เรียกได้ว่าใช้ยาแรงและเร็ว สามารถกระตุ้นเศรษฐกิจได้อย่างมีประสิทธิภาพสูง เพราะเงินไหลลงสู่ผู้บริโภคระดับฐานราก
Unknown Speaker (Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce)
"I agree and consider it a good thing that a framework has been established to select those meeting the conditions for the state welfare system."
เห็นด้วยและถือเป็นเรื่องดีมีการวางกรอบเพื่อคัดคนมีคุณสมบัติตรงตามเงื่อนไขเข้าสู่ระบบสวัสดิการแห่งรัฐ

Key Entities

Organization

Cabinet(คณะรัฐมนตรี)
The governing body of Thailand that approved the new state welfare card registration.
University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce(มหาวิทยาลัยหอการค้าไทย)ℹ️
Institution providing academic perspectives on economic policy and welfare programs.
Nakhon Ratchasima Chamber of Commerce(หอการค้าจังหวัดนครราชสีมา)
Local business organization providing feedback on the effectiveness of economic stimulus programs.
Chiang Mai Provincial Chamber of Commerce(หอการค้า จ.เชียงใหม่)
Local business organization offering opinions on the reform of the state welfare card system.

Law

State Welfare Card(บัตรสวัสดิการแห่งรัฐ)
The government subsidy program formerly known as the 'poor card,' undergoing eligibility reforms.