The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security in the modern era has launched a new system."POM CARE"It revolutionizes social welfare services into digital form, allowing citizens to apply for various financial aids via smartphone.
On 7 Jul, reporters noted that recently at the InfinityBallroomof the Pullman King Power Hotel in Bangkok, Mr. Nikorn Somklang, Minister of Social Development and Human Security (POM), presided over the launch of the Digital Movement Project for the People: Communication and Awareness of the"POM CARE" system.Mr. Nikorn stated that the Ministry has developed an electronic system for individuals to submitapplicationsto receive social assistance independently, called"POM CARE."This facilitates citizens to submit requests, track status, and access social welfare rights from the Ministry quickly and widely. It also enables agencies to manage data systematically by integrating with the Ministry's POM Smart and MSO-Logbook systems, as well as linking data with other agencies includingthe applicationThaiD and government platforms, which together respond more effectively to citizens’ issues—from application submission and welfare eligibility review to close, continuous follow-up. Meanwhile, officials can share data efficiently, reducing duplication, improving screening accuracy, and providing timely assistance.
Mr. Nikorn added that citizens can submit assistance applications themselves via an e-service system on smartphones, with services available from June to July 2026. The six types of financial aid are: 1. Emergency social assistance subsidies; 2. Aid for children in poor families; 3. Family welfare subsidies; 4. Disability rehabilitation and assistance funds; 5. Subsidies for low-income and homeless individuals; and 6. Elderly assistance funds for those in hardship. For those unfamiliar with smartphones or living in remote areas, officials and volunteer networks nationwide will assist by visiting homes to provide guidance, ensuring no one is left behind.
Mr. Kantapong Rangsisawang, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, said the Minister has set eight policies to create a society with well-being and opportunities for all Thais, focusing on using data and technology by building a database of vulnerable groups and linking citizen data and rights so everyone receives complete, automatic benefits within one system. The Ministry also aims to create a citizen-friendly government by improving state service units to be accessible to all groups. Consequently, the Ministry developed an online system for individuals to submitapplicationsfor social assistance independently, called the"POM CARE" system.The Ministry launched the Digital Movement Project for the People: Communication and Awareness of the"POM CARE" system.This marks a serious role change for the Ministry, shifting from a provider of aid to an enabler of opportunities, and from fragmented work to integrated system operation. It leads to upgrading the Ministry's social welfare services through the"POM CARE" system,which offers services via new channels alongside traditional ones, accommodating all citizens with no one left behind.
Mr. Anekchai Ruengrattanakorn, advisor to the Minister of Social Development, said that, assigned by the Minister to oversee the"POM CARE" system'simplementation with the Ministry's team, the"POM CARE" systemis based on key concepts: C = Care, focusing on attention to citizens, especially vulnerable groups; A = Access, providing convenient and equal access to government services; R = Response, delivering fast and efficient responses to citizens’ needs; and E = e-Service, upgrading Ministry services through digital technology. Therefore, the"POM CARE" systemis a crucial mechanism to modernize, make transparent, and ensure fairness in public social services, ultimately reducing inequality and sustainably providing social security to citizens.