Phonphir revealed that the Ministry of Interior has extended the appeal period for the low-income card until 20 September and will establish One Stop Service centers in every district. The ministry is also intensifying checks against identity misuse such as fraudulent company registrations, hiring, and proxy accounts. Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration has instructed district and local officials to educate the public.
On 20 July 2026 at the Naree Samosorn Building, Government House, Mr. Phonphir Suwanchavee, Deputy Minister of Interior, stated that the ministry has received numerous complaints from the public following the recent reopening of registration for the state welfare card. He acknowledged that some criteria may not fully reflect the realities of people's lives. Therefore, the government is not complacent and has consulted with several agencies, including the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Finance, and related bodies, to find solutions ensuring the greatest fairness.
Regarding the Ministry of Interior's role, since the registration process began, it has conducted additional surveys in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security by directly verifying data with citizens on-site. This aims to ensure that government data accurately reflect real conditions and help those eligible to access the welfare card.
Mr. Phonphir said that although the appeal process is currently open, the government recognizes that many citizens, especially the elderly, those in remote areas, or those lacking internet and application access, still face difficulties. Thus, the Ministry of Interior plans to establish One Stop Service centers to facilitate appeals across all areas, utilizing the mechanisms of district chiefs, subdistrict heads, and village chiefs to collect information from residents and relay it back to provincial authorities.
Another key issue the government will consider in appeals is cases where some citizens, particularly disabled individuals, discover their names listed as hired workers or as company directors and executives without their knowledge or consent.
Such information can be used as evidence in appeals. The Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Commerce, and Royal Thai Police will jointly investigate to prevent people from having their names fraudulently used to open companies, proxy accounts, or for business benefits, including possible links to grey market activities. Relevant agencies will expedite investigations and take legal action accordingly.
Citizens who meet the state welfare card criteria will continue to receive benefits such as a 315 baht monthly electricity subsidy and free tap water according to program conditions.
The original appeal deadline was set to end at the month's close, but the ministry plans to propose to the Cabinet an extension until 20 September to give citizens adequate time to gather the necessary documents and evidence for appeals.
Meanwhile, those found not to meet the welfare card criteria can still register for the Thai Chuea Thai Plus (60/40) program to receive government assistance under this measure.
Mr. Narucha Kosasivilai, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, said the department supports the government's 2026 state welfare card program by coordinating with provinces and districts nationwide to publicize and clarify information to the public. For those approved, information about additional rights such as electricity and water subsidies will be promoted. For those not approved, information about the appeal or review process will also be disseminated, with the department placing great importance on rights reviews.
The department will also establish One Stop Service centers at district offices to support the government program, allowing approved recipients to verify their identity and those rejected to request a rights review at every district office. Additionally, the “District You Can Rely On” service will have district and local officials collecting cases at the community level.
Furthermore, information will be broadcast locally via village loudspeakers to ensure everyone receives updates, especially about changes such as revised criteria or appeal deadlines, which will be announced following the Cabinet meeting tomorrow (21 July).