Residents in many areas are actively registering for the new round of state welfare cards. Some have lined up at banks as early as 5 a.m. to get officials' help confirming their eligibility. In Lampang, several ethnic villages struggle with filling out forms and fear missing out on benefits due to difficulties.
On 4 Jun 2026 GMT+7, reporters observed the atmosphere on the first day of registration to confirm state welfare card rights for existing beneficiaries in Chai Nat province. Over 100 people gathered at the Krungthai Bank, Chai Nat branch, mostly elderly who lack smartphone skills. Officials opened special service counters to facilitate the process.
Mrs. Nualchawi Kaeuchan, 63, who was first in line to confirm her rights, said she woke up at 5 a.m. and arrived at the bank by 6 a.m. She explained she came because she cannot register by phone and wanted officials to help. She is already a beneficiary and hopes to receive assistance again since she currently has no income and is too ill to work. She said, “I hope the government could provide 1,000 baht per month continuously to help low-income people. Previously, I only received 300 baht monthly, which is insufficient for daily living.”
Meanwhile, Ms. Areeporn Boonnak, 66, from Hang Nam Sak subdistrict, Manorom district, said she had never registered before. Her sister's name was omitted in a prior registration, so they came today. They rented a car for 500 baht to register with family members, but bank officials said they must first coordinate with the provincial Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to join the program. They will likely need to rent transport again but are not discouraged, believing they will receive benefits since they have no income or occupation.
In Lamphun province, ethnic groups, including the Pga K’nyau people, are preparing to register after missing previous opportunities. In Li district, there are 12 Pga K’nyau villages with over 2,500 families, and in Ban Hong district, 3 villages with over 500 families. They are unsure if they will qualify for the state welfare card this time due to the extensive data required, fearing errors in registration and doubting the accuracy of poverty verification to determine who truly qualifies.
Mr. Somkiat Wongchantip, headman of Ban Mai Phatthana village, Moo 13, Pa Phlu subdistrict, Ban Hong district, said most Karen ethnic families are very poor. Some have many children and earn income from gardening, farming, and daily labor, which is insufficient for expenses. Many did not qualify for the previous welfare card round despite being poor. They are preparing to register again in the upcoming round.
Previously, ethnic groups failed to qualify mainly due to the registration system. Villagers lacked knowledge of many details that bank officials asked for on registration forms. Some elderly are illiterate, unable to read or write, causing missed opportunities and denial of rights. They hope the government will reduce the amount of required information to save officials' time or have village heads verify residents’ economic status, as village leaders know their communities well.