Bangkok: The first day of eligibility verification for the state welfare card saw a significant turnout as the Ministry of Finance announced the list of recipients for the 2026 State Welfare Card. Starting at 6 am, people began lining up at banks across various provinces to check their eligibility status, with the process also opening for appeals for those who did not meet the criteria.
According to Thai News Agency, out of 18.82 million registrants, 9.51 million people were deemed eligible for the state welfare card, often referred to as the "poor person's card." The verification process, which considered individuals initially overlooked and those additionally identified by the Ministry of Interior, excluded criteria related to parental debt reduction and the 100,000 baht farmer's debt relief program. As a result, over 9.3 million registrants did not meet the eligibility standards.
In Uthai Thani province, crowds gathered at Krung Thai Bank and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) even before the banks opened. Many individuals expressed difficulty using smartphones or the eligibility-checking application, prompting them to seek assistance from bank staff. Banks deployed staff to manage queues and assist customers in checking their eligibility, aiming to expedite services and minimize congestion.
Similarly, in Nakhon Ratchasima, a significant number of villagers, particularly the elderly, queued outside the BAAC branch in Phimai district. Many sought direct confirmation from officials, with the majority expressing joy upon receiving their entitlements. Mr. Thuan, aged 72, expressed relief and gratitude to the government upon receiving his card, highlighting plans to use the funds for essential utilities and household needs.
On the other hand, individuals like Mr. Manop, 66, who previously received the welfare card but did not qualify this time, voiced their disappointment. He criticized the stringent criteria, stating that ownership of farmland does not equate to wealth and argued that the criteria prevented some genuinely needy individuals from accessing benefits.
To check eligibility, registered individuals can use their 13-digit national ID number and date of birth across four main channels: the "Paotang" and "Tangrat" applications, the project's main website, and registration units at five designated banks. Those who did not pass the initial review can click "Review Eligibility," while new eligible applicants are required to complete identity verification (e-KYC). Existing eligible applicants are exempt from further identity verification.