Thai Help Thai Plus: Elderly Frustrated by Difficult Facial Recognition System, Worse for Those with New Phone Numbers

Elderly citizens enrolling in the Thai Help Thai Plus government assistance program are complaining about difficulties with the facial recognition verification system, which becomes even more problematic for those who have recently changed their phone numbers. May 25, 2026 – A reporter covering the scene at Krung Thai Bank's Dan Khun Thod branch in Nakhon Ratchasima found the registration area bustling from morning through afternoon. The primary issue most people faced was identity verification, with many failing the facial scan, especially elderly applicants unfamiliar with the process or unable to pass the scan after trying. This forced them to visit the bank in person. Na, 68, from Dan Khun Thod District, said she came to the bank to re-verify her identity because the facial scan was very difficult and wouldn't go through. She missed the previous government assistance program registration deadline, so she didn't receive benefits. This time she rushed to complete the process in hopes of receiving the same assistance as others. Somjit, 54, from Phimai District, explained that some people who had already registered and completed identity verification earlier could claim their benefits immediately through the "Pao Tang" mobile application. However, her husband changed his phone number, which created a problem that forced her to come to the bank for help. Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to participate in the program.