A 78-year-old man was so happy he cried after successfully verifying his identity for the 'State Welfare Card' or 'Poor People's Card' at the bank, hoping to have money to buy rice. Meanwhile, another family pooled funds to rent a vehicle to the bank because they do not have smartphones.
On 4 Jun 2026 GMT+7, reporters described the atmosphere at Krungthai Bank's Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Hall branch, where many people came to verify their identities for the State Welfare Card project on its first day. Since morning, a large number of people, especially elderly groups, arrived. Many formed groups to rent sidecar motorcycles and pickup trucks, sharing fuel expenses to travel to the bank because some did not have smartphones or could not complete the online process themselves and needed bank staff assistance.
The registration for the State Welfare Card under the new criteria requires both existing beneficiaries and new applicants to undergo a fresh registration and qualification screening process. This is to ensure that truly low-income individuals receive government welfare assistance. Over 13 million people nationwide are involved. After eligibility is verified, they proceed to identity confirmation to receive their benefits.
Mr. Veera, aged 78, one of the low-income elderly who traveled with his 73-year-old wife for screening and identity verification, tearfully shared that he felt very happy to have successfully verified his identity. However, he still awaits the decision on whether he will receive assistance. His family is financially struggling, and he hopes the State Welfare Card benefits will help ease daily expenses. He does not have a smartphone to verify his identity, and since his children are working and cannot assist, he had to come to the bank himself. Though difficult, he felt it necessary to come to secure the right to buy rice and essential daily items.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Somjit, 65, and Mrs. Jad, 76, said, “Today, we gathered four people and pooled money to rent a vehicle to the bank because none of us have smartphones or can manage the online process. We had to rely on bank staff to help us. While we understand the government's need to verify eligibility, requiring all previous beneficiaries to re-register creates difficulties for many elderly people, especially regarding travel, costs, and technology access. Many elderly do not have phones or knowledge of online systems and face mobility challenges. We wish the government would simplify the process, especially for seniors who have already received benefits.”
Nevertheless, bank officials have deployed staff to continuously assist and guide the public to reduce crowding and help elderly individuals unable to navigate digital processes themselves. This is amidst the hopes of many low-income people seeking access to government welfare to alleviate rising living costs today.