Thailand Accelerates Review Process for State Welfare Card, Over 4 Million Apply

The Thai government has opened a review period for the State Welfare Card, with more than 4 million people submitting requests to reassess their eligibility. Officials urge all applicants to complete the process by 31 August.

A total of 9.5 million citizens qualify for the card: 6.3 million hold existing cards that require no further verification, while 3.1 million are new recipients who must complete electronic identity verification (e‑KYC). As of 2 August, 2.1 million new cardholders (69 %) have finished e‑KYC, leaving roughly 980 000 still pending.

The government has mobilised staff and expanded service channels, including the “Tang Rat” and “Pae Tang” mobile apps, project websites, the five state‑bank portals, and One‑Stop Service (OSS) centres in all 878 districts. These channels target elderly, disabled and other vulnerable groups who may find online procedures difficult. spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek of the Prime Minister’s Office emphasized that no eligible person should lose benefits because of procedural barriers.