Poorly thought-out conditions require that recipients use the welfare cards only at designated stores, making problems rather than solving them. But the government's latest subsidy programme, the state welfare scheme for the poor, does not seem to be on the right track. But they are only allowed to spend the money in selected stores which have installed electronic data capture (EDC) machines that can read the welfare card. Those who took in the survey said they could not buy products from places and markets in their communities but have to travel to the nearest Thong Fah store. If the government can afford to spend on this cash handout scheme, it should give them cash without spending conditions attached.

Source: Bangkok Post October 28, 2017 21:22 UTC