Those holding the "State Welfare Card" or the "State Welfare Card" totaling 13.18 million people may not need to re-register, but their eligibility will be more strictly screened. It is estimated that 20-40% may be removed. Those left out are advised to contact the Ministry of Interior.
Mr. Akniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, revealed that currently the Ministry of Interior is rushing to survey and compile data to submit to the Ministry of Finance for continued benefit eligibility. It is believed that most of those left out will be low-income individuals who will still receive state welfare benefits.
Therefore, at the Cabinet meeting on 2 Jun, the Ministry of Finance will propose that the Cabinet consider new criteria for registering for state welfare rights to ensure those left out can receive benefits starting from July. Beneficiaries will receive 300 baht per month under low-income rights, and the government will add another 700 baht monthly until Sep 2026 as part of measures to reduce living costs and ease citizens' burdens.
Reports indicate that the review of state welfare rights may not include a new registration. Instead, the rights of the existing 13.18 million cardholders will be screened under stricter new criteria. This will involve cooperation and data verification from over 46 government and private agencies, such as criteria on holding insurance policies, being shareholders in listed companies, and various investment data. After screening, the number of welfare cardholders could decrease by 20-40%, saving over 20 billion baht in budget.
However, those left out or newly identified as low-income can contact the Ministry of Interior, which will assist in further screening and inclusion.