Government Urges 5.2 Million to Review Welfare Card Benefits
About 5.2 million Thais can still appeal for welfare card benefits before the August 31, 2026 deadline, while nearly 1 million new cardholders must complete identity verification to maintain eligibility.
Government spokesman Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek announced updates on identity verification and welfare card benefit reviews on August 3. Of 9.5 million people who qualified, 6.3 million existing cardholders need no additional verification, while 3.1 million new cardholders must complete e-KYC identity verification. According to the Interior Ministry's August 2 data, about 2.1 million new cardholders (69%) have verified their identity, leaving approximately 980,000 people (31%) who have not yet completed the process. The government is actively tracking and promoting the procedure to prevent people from losing eligibility.
For those who failed initial qualification, the government opened an appeals process, with over 4.1 million (44%) applications already submitted. Approximately 5.2 million (56%) eligible people remain who can still appeal. The deadline for applications is August 31, 2026, accessible through government apps, the Pao Tang wallet app, project websites, five state banks, and 878 One Stop Service centers nationwide. Special assistance is available for elderly people, disabled persons, and vulnerable groups who find online services difficult.
Ms. Ratchada stated the government is committed to ensuring eligible citizens do not lose welfare benefits due to inconvenience or lack of information. She urged the remaining 980,000 new cardholders who have not completed identity verification and the 5.2 million people who have not submitted appeals to act promptly before the deadline to receive full welfare benefits.
