Is he poor or is he rich? Thai model probed for using welfare card
A male model shamed on social media for pretending to be poor in order to receive a welfare card says he actually has very little money
By Wichit Chantanusornsiri & Online reporters
A male model suspected of pretending to be poor in order to receive a welfare card is being investigated by Thailand’s Comptroller-General’s Department.
The department chief, Suttirat Rattanachot, said she has obtained the name of the model, who has been subjected to criticism on social media for obtaining a welfare card despite appearing to live a life of comfort.
But the man shamed on social media has come forward to say he is in fact poor, and his Instagram and Facebook photos are simply to “appear beautiful”.
Ms Suttirat said the department would check how the model passed the cardholder qualification screening process.
To qualify for the card, a person must be a Thai national, be 18 years old or older, earn no more than 100,000 baht (US$3,008) a year, and have savings of no more than 100,000 baht. In addition, if they own property, it must be no larger than 25 square wah if a house or 35 sq m for apartments.