Government Urges 5.2M Eligible Thais to Renew Welfare Card by August 31
The Thai government is urging 5.2 million eligible citizens to appeal welfare card rejections by August 31, while another 980,000 must complete identity verification to receive benefits. Applications are open through apps, banks, and 878 se
Government spokesman Ratchada Thanadirek announced on August 3 that 9.5 million people have qualified for the state welfare card scheme, divided between 6.3 million existing cardholders who need no further verification and 3.1 million new cardholders requiring e-KYC identity verification. According to the Department of Local Administration as of August 2, over 2.1 million new cardholders (69%) have completed verification, leaving approximately 980,000 people (31%) still pending. The government is actively following up and facilitating the process to prevent eligible citizens from losing their benefits.
For those who did not pass the initial qualification review, the government has opened an appeals process, with over 4.1 million applications submitted (44%) and approximately 5.2 million remaining eligible to appeal by August 31. Citizens can apply through government apps, the Pao Tang Wallet app, the project website, all five state-owned banks, and 878 One Stop Service centers nationwide, with special assistance available for elderly people, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups unable to access online services.
Government spokesman Ratchada emphasized that the government is committed to preventing eligible citizens from losing benefits due to inconvenience or lack of awareness. The government has prepared sufficient staff, systems, and service channels to assist the remaining 980,000 new cardholders needing identity verification and 5.2 million people yet to file appeals, urging them to act within the deadline to receive full benefits.
