Bangkok: The Cabinet approved revisions to the "person-vehicle" eligibility criteria database and reviewed eligibility for the state welfare registration project. According to Thai News Agency, the Cabinet acknowledged the implementation of the 2026 State Welfare Registration Project, approving that all eligible persons under the 2026 project will begin receiving benefits simultaneously on 1 October 2026. Those who received the original State Welfare Card from the 2022 project will continue to receive benefits until 30 September 2026, ensuring that individuals whose eligibility is under review are not affected.
The Cabinet approved a plan for an urgent review of eligibility verification data, aiming to alleviate public hardship without waiting for appeals or complaints. The eligibility criteria updates include excluding students in specific vocational education programs and partners or shareholders in certain registered companies. Additionally, individuals with securities or debt instruments of low value, as well as those owning specific types of vehicles, will be excluded from the eligibility database.
The updated eligibility verification process for the 2026 project aims for greater efficiency, fairness, and transparency, ensuring government welfare programs are more accurately targeted to low-income individuals. It enhances government databases, ensuring precise public budget expenditures.
The Ministry of Interior has established a coordination center to support the 2026 project, facilitating identity verification through an electronic system (e-KYC). The system will assist those who wish to have their eligibility reviewed, informing local authorities and agencies through provincial and district-level mechanisms. The Ministry of Finance will link and forward data to relevant agencies as required.