Bangkok: The Cabinet has approved expanding the eligibility criteria for the State Welfare Card in 2026, helping vulnerable groups access their benefits more easily. Today, at the Government Press Center, Narisamosorn Building, Government House, following the Cabinet meeting, Ms. Rachada Thanadirek, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, along with Mr. Vinit Visetsuwannapoom, Director of the Fiscal Policy Office and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, jointly announced the Cabinet resolution regarding the proposed 2026 State Welfare Registration Project.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Rachada stated that the revised criteria for the 2026 State Welfare Registration Project aim to ensure that government assistance reaches low-income individuals, vulnerable groups, and those truly in need. The Prime Minister instructed a review and revision of the criteria to align with the current situation and facts, following feedback from the public, before submitting them to the Cabinet for approval.
The Cabinet approved the additional proposals for the 2026 State Welfare Registration Project, as submitted by the Committee on Public-Private Partnership for Grassroots Economy and Society. The project will expand to include marginalized and excluded groups without state welfare cards, identified by the Ministry of Interior during the registration period. These 5.4 million people will undergo eligibility verification under the 2026 project.
One of the changes includes removing the eligibility criterion related to the parents of income earners who have already claimed a deduction for parental support, as it may negatively impact income earners and their parents. Additionally, the eligibility criteria concerning credit limits have been revised to exclude agricultural loans, recognizing their unique nature and seasonal ties, which do not reflect the borrower's overall financial status.
The Cabinet resolution states that existing cardholders can begin using their benefits under the 2026 program from August 1, 2026, while new cardholders can start from October 1, 2026. The committee will verify the qualifications of all target groups according to the revised criteria and announce the results of the eligibility assessment on July 17, 2026.
Ms. Rachada emphasized that the criteria revision will significantly assist low-income individuals and the most vulnerable groups, enhancing the integration of government policies and improving the accuracy of the screening process. This will ensure comprehensive and appropriate access to state welfare benefits, fulfilling the project's objectives.