More than 1 million applicants rejected for the 5,000-baht monthly cash handout submitted appeals online in the two days since the government opened the appeal process, says the Finance Ministry.
State officials will meet those who appealed to verify their identities and careers, said Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, secretary to the finance minister.
Applicants are advised to prepare documents and photos to confirm their workplace as well as utility bills, rent receipts and citizen ID cards to speed up the appeals process and enable them to receive the cash giveaway by June, Mr Thanakorn said.
Applicants for the handout totalled 28 million as of April 17, which has fallen to 23.5 million after repeat registrations were removed.
Of the total 23.5 million registrants, 21.1 million have already been screened against the Provincial Administration Department's database. Of the applicants, 1.8 million failed to meet criteria based on the department's data.
Among the 21.1 million applicants, 6.3 million were asked to provide additional information, 10.6 million were rejected and the remaining 4.2 million have been granted the cash handout.
Mr Thanakorn said politicians should stop playing games and spend time giving recommendations for the appeals process, rather than just criticising the government.
On Monday, 20 MPs from three coalition parties submitted a letter to Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana, calling for the ministry to alter the cash giveaway method by replacing financial assistance to qualified applicants with handouts to all households, excluding those whose members are salaried employees, civil servants or wealthy.
The Finance Ministry has dismissed the proposal, saying some people are not suffering and do not need the benefit.
Fiscal Policy Office director-general Lavaron Sangsnit said that the government has not limited the number of cash giveaway recipients and is ready to offer help to all if thet meet the criteria.
Applicants who have yet to receive a text message about the results will receive a message this week, he said.
On Tuesday, the cabinet approved raising the number of recipients of 5,000 baht per month for three months to 14 million from 9 million, bringing the budget to 210 billion baht.
The government has used a 50-billion-baht central budget and part of the 1-trillion-baht borrowing plan to finance the handouts. Applications will be accepted through midnight tonight.
