20m eligible to register for welfare cards

The cabinet has approved a new round of registration for state welfare cards, a scheme to help low-income residents cope with the rising cost of living, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said.

About 20 million people are eligible for the cards, including current cardholders.

Newly registered individuals are expected to be able to start using them on Oct 1.

Existing state welfare cardholders currently receive a monthly payment of 300 baht if a person’s annual income is under 30,000 baht, or 200 baht if their annual income is between 30,000 and 100,000 baht.

Recipients can often use the cards to get discounts at some stores.

Cardholders must be at least 18 and not a monk, inmate or placed in welfare homes. They must also not be a state official or employed by state agencies.

Those eligible or their immediate family must also have an income or combined…