Thailand to Offer New Aid to 6 Million, Adjusting Welfare Card Program

The Finance Ministry will today ask the cabinet to move six million people who failed to qualify for the 2026 state welfare card program into a new co-payment scheme, while easing rules blamed for unfairly excluding low-income people. This initiative stems from concerns that the current welfare card system has not adequately supported all low-income individuals in need. Specifically, overly stringent eligibility criteria and documentation requirements are suspected of excluding groups such as the elderly with lower digital literacy or those in precarious employment. The proposed co-payment scheme is expected to involve government subsidies for a portion of costs related to healthcare and public utilities for the targeted six million individuals. This aims to ensure access to essential goods and services and alleviate financial burdens. The design of this new scheme is anticipated to incorporate lessons from past welfare policies and public feedback. Through this expansion of welfare support, the government seeks to address income inequality and foster a more inclusive society. Stabilizing citizens' livelihoods is also expected to stimulate domestic consumption, contributing to the sustained growth of the overall Thai economy.