Bangkok: The Cabinet has revised the criteria for the state welfare card, removing two conditions: tax exemptions for parents and agricultural debt. The Cabinet also approved expanding benefits to vulnerable groups, proactively reaching out across all databases to a total of 18.8 million individuals.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, and Mr. Vinit Visetsuwannapoom, Director of the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, jointly held a press conference regarding the proposed 2026 State Welfare Registration Project. Mr. Vinit stated that the Cabinet had approved the review of the criteria and expansion of eligibility for the State Welfare Card project, as instructed by the Prime Minister, in order to improve the care of vulnerable groups of people in a more accurate and comprehensive manner, reflecting the true economic realities. The focus is on reaching those who are truly in need and those who are genuinely vulnerable.
The government, through the National Welfare Committee for Grassroots Economy and Society, has considered adjusting the selection criteria in two main areas to alleviate concerns and impacts on the public. These adjustments are based on concerns and feedback received from the Prime Minister, as well as suggestions from the Bank of Thailand (BOT). The adjustments include abolishing the criterion allowing children to use their parents' names for tax deductions and removing the criterion limiting farmers to agricultural loans exceeding 100,000 baht. Loans for disaster compensation or agricultural equipment can exceed 100,000 baht because these types of loans are designed for occupational recovery and often have high values. Including them could exclude genuinely needy farmers from the assistance system.
Furthermore, the Cabinet also approved an additional 5.4 million individuals who met the eligibility criteria for welfare benefits. This is due to the government's shift from a reliance on public registration to a proactive approach for the first time, involving collaboration between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. Officials are being deployed to reach out to bedridden patients, marginalized groups, and those lacking digital access. As a result of fieldwork, an additional 5.04 million vulnerable people were identified, bringing the total number of people entering the eligibility review process to approximately 18.8 million.
Mr. Vinit further stated that after the Cabinet approves, the Ministry of Finance will process all the surveyed names according to the approved criteria by July 16th. A press conference announcing the number of eligible recipients will be held at 6:00 PM. On July 17th, the official results of those who qualify will be announced starting at 6:00 AM. From July 17th to 31st, appeals (review of eligibility) will be open for those who do not meet the criteria. Applicants can review the reasons and submit additional evidence, such as income information from the Revenue Department. Existing eligible recipients can begin using the funds on August 1st, while new applicants can begin using their funds from October 1st onwards.
There are four main channels for checking eligibility: the State Welfare Card project website, the "Paotang" application, the "Tang Rat" application, and five state-owned banks (Government Savings Bank, Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, Government Housing Bank, Islamic Bank, and Krung Thai Bank) by using your national ID card to inquire at the branch.
When asked about the possibility of the number of beneficiaries exceeding the initial number approved by the Cabinet, Mr. Vinit stated that the previously set budget was merely an estimate based on average figures. In practice, however, the government will prioritize assisting all eligible citizens equally, even if the number of beneficiaries exceeds initial estimates. The government affirms that it will manage the budget to ensure that the most vulnerable groups receive full support, in accordance with the project's objectives.