Bank policy leaves elderly Buriram couple without government aid

A resident of Ban Silachai in Buriram province sought assistance after finding himself unable to withdraw money using his wife’s ATM card.

The resident, 61 year old Tuk Sae Ho’s wife Jamlong, also 61, has been bedridden for over a year and unable to care for herself. When Tuk attempted to withdraw funds from the bank, he discovered that the card had been blocked.

Upon inquiring with bank staff, Tuk was informed that the card had been suspended and that his wife would need to visit the bank in person to sign documents for a new ATM card or to withdraw money using her bank passbook. Tuk explained that his wife’s condition made it impossible for her to visit the bank, and he asked if it was possible to have the necessary documents delivered to their home for her to sign.

The bank, however, insisted that the account holder must visit the bank in person. They mentioned that if home service was needed, it would have to wait until after the new year due to the high volume of customers currently requiring assistance.

Jamlong, speaking through tears, shared her distress. Since becoming bedridden, she has been unable to continue her trade, resulting in a loss of income. Her only financial support comes from a disability allowance of 600 baht per month and occasional remittances from their children. She was elated upon learning of a 10,000 baht government aid deposit, hoping it would help alleviate their financial burden.

Sudden disappointment

However, the joy turned to sorrow when Tuk was unable to withdraw the money due to the ATM card issue. The prospect of waiting until after the new year for bank staff to visit their home seemed unbearable, as they urgently needed the funds. Jamlong endures frequent severe pain, sometimes to the point of tears, and the delay in accessing the funds is causing significant distress.

“I fear that bringing my bedridden wife to the bank could worsen her condition or even cause her to go into shock. She often experiences painful spasms in her hands and legs, requiring periodic hospital visits for treatment.”

He added that waiting for bank officials to come after the new year is not a viable option due to the immediate need for the 10,000 baht aid. The money is essential for purchasing necessities such as milk, adult diapers, and soft foods for Jamlong.

Since her illness began about a year ago, Tuk has been her primary caregiver, which has left both of them without an income. The government aid was meant to ease their financial strain, but the inability to access it has left them in a difficult situation, reported Sanook.