The government spokesperson revealed that authorities are urgently following up with another 830,000 people to confirm their identities for the "State Welfare Card" benefits, while also disclosing that 5 million individuals have yet to submit requests to review their eligibility, urging prompt action to preserve their rights.
9 Aug 2026 GMT+7 Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, stated that the government's intention is to ensure that impoverished citizens have access to their rights. The State Welfare Card (commonly known as the 'Poor People's Card'), is being made widely accessible through integrated efforts by all relevant agencies, accelerating facilitation of identity confirmation (e-KYC) and eligibility review applications, including proactive field outreach to prevent eligible citizens from losing benefits simply due to unawareness of procedures or inconvenience.
As of 8 Aug 2026, data shows that identity confirmations and appeals have steadily increased, thanks to efforts by local agencies and accessible service channels. Currently, among 3.1 million new beneficiaries, 2.3 million (73%) have confirmed their identities, up from 2.2 million (68%) on 2 Aug. Meanwhile, those yet to confirm have decreased to 830,000 (27%) from 980,000 (31%).
“The government invites new beneficiaries to promptly confirm their identities to begin using benefits from 1 Oct 2026. The Ministry of Finance has extended the confirmation period until 12 Jan 2027.”
The provinces with the highest numbers of unconfirmed identities are Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ubon Ratchathani, Buriram, and Khon Kaen. The government has instructed local agencies to intensify outreach and facilitation to ensure all citizens can access their rights fully.
Regarding eligibility review submissions, 4.2 million requests have been filed, up from 4.1 million on 2 Aug, while about 5 million people have yet to apply. The government encourages prompt submission by 31 Aug 2026 to safeguard individual rights.
Provinces with the highest proportions of eligibility review submissions include Lampang (60%), Narathiwat (59%), Pattani (58%), Yala (54%), and Phrae (53%). This reflects that local outreach and facilitation efforts have improved citizens' access to benefits.
Ms. Ratchada added that the government has prepared comprehensive service channels, including the 'Thang Rath' and 'Pao Tang' applications, the project website, five state banks, and One Stop Service (OSS) centers at all 878 district offices nationwide. Provincial governors, district chiefs, local administration organizations, village headmen, and community leaders have been assigned to assist elderly, disabled, and vulnerable citizens who cannot conveniently access online services.
“With identity confirmations and eligibility review submissions steadily increasing, the government will continue to closely monitor and facilitate access until the deadline. We urge those who have not yet acted to promptly secure their benefits within the specified timeframe to avoid losing rightful welfare.”