Thailand's 2025 Welfare Card Program Announces 9.51 Million Approved Applicants

The Ministry of Finance announced the results of the 2025 State Welfare Card Program on July 17 after opening new registration and verification between June 4-21. The committee reviewing applications found that 9.51 million people qualified out of a total of 18.82 million applicants. The approved recipients comprised three groups: 12.70 million existing cardholders, 740,000 people without cards identified through community development databases and the electronic family booklet system, and 5.38 million additional individuals discovered by the Interior Ministry during the registration period. Over 9.1 million applicants did not meet the qualification criteria and were rejected—approximately half of all applicants—leaving only the net figures announced. The stricter and more detailed evaluation criteria were implemented according to the Finance Minister's policy to ensure assistance reaches only those genuinely poor and in need. After results were announced, many people who previously received welfare cards but failed this time felt disappointed, with some even crying upon hearing the results. Those who qualified appeared happy and satisfied. However, those who did not qualify for the 2025 State Welfare Card Program can request a review between July 17-31 through four announced channels. Those who qualify—including existing cardholders—can begin using their benefits starting August 1. New applicants must first verify their identity through the Pao Tang application or one of five registration centers before they can use benefits starting October 1. Those requesting a review must contact the verification unit to correct their information by August 16 and go through the verification process again. The hope is that relevant agencies will exercise fair judgment based on actual living conditions according to established criteria, without being overly strict or lenient.