On July 8, 2025, the Thai Cabinet approved a groundbreaking project aimed at surveying citizens who do not own smartphones, a move designed to ensure equitable access to government welfare benefits and inform future economic policies. Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, Deputy Government Spokesperson, announced the decision following the Cabinet meeting, emphasizing the importance of including this often-overlooked group in the digital economy era.
The initiative, proposed by the Ministry of Finance, responds to a critical gap in data about vulnerable populations who lack smartphones and thus face challenges accessing state services that increasingly rely on digital platforms. Ms. Sasikarn explained that the government recognizes the need to gather accurate information on these citizens to enable more inclusive policy-making and to improve the delivery of public services.
"The project aims to survey citizens without smartphones to ensure they benefit equally from state welfare programs and economic policies," Ms. Sasikarn stated. "This will help the government design measures that are inclusive and provide alternative access channels beyond smartphone applications like 'Tang Rat' or other digital systems." The 'Tang Rat' app, widely used in Thailand for welfare registration and eligibility verification, poses a barrier for non-smartphone users, making this survey crucial.
The Cabinet has assigned several key agencies to collaborate on this project: the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE), and the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA). These agencies are tasked not only with conducting the survey but also with determining an appropriate timeline for its implementation, ensuring data security, and managing the information responsibly.
Registration for the survey will be facilitated through multiple accessible channels to accommodate the target population. State banks such as the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) and the Government Savings Bank, district offices, district departments, and post offices will serve as registration points. Government officials will assist citizens in completing the registration process using a specially developed system, aiming to make the process as smooth and inclusive as possible.
To verify whether an individual qualifies as a non-smartphone user, the DGA will cross-check national ID numbers with mobile service providers. The criterion is based on internet usage: if a phone number has accumulated less than 500 megabytes of data over the past 90 days, the user will be considered as not owning a smartphone. This verification process is expected to take approximately three weeks.
Past government stimulus projects, such as the 2024 economic stimulus programs for state welfare cardholders, persons with disabilities, and the elderly, relied heavily on smartphone-based registration via the 'Tang Rat' app. However, these efforts lacked comprehensive data on certain vulnerable groups, including those without smartphones. This gap resulted in incomplete or duplicated data, which hindered the government's ability to provide timely and effective assistance.
By addressing this data deficiency, the current project aims to ensure that all citizens can equally access welfare benefits and government services, regardless of their smartphone ownership status. The collected data will also support the government's broader goals of developing a robust digital economy infrastructure and enhancing public service delivery.
Moreover, the Cabinet underscored the importance of cybersecurity in managing the collected data. It recommended that the project owners and registration system supervisors implement stringent cybersecurity measures to protect citizen information and build trust in the government's digital platforms over the long term.
Ms. Sasikarn highlighted that this survey project is more than just data collection; it is a vital step toward social equity in an increasingly digital world. "This initiative will allow the government to design policies and services that truly reach all segments of society, including those who might otherwise be left behind due to technological barriers," she said.
As Thailand continues to embrace digital transformation, this project stands as a significant effort to bridge the digital divide. It acknowledges that while smartphones and apps are convenient for many, they are not universally accessible. The government’s commitment to inclusivity through this survey reflects a broader understanding that economic growth and social welfare must be shared equitably.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Finance, DE, and DGA will finalize the project's timeline and operational details before opening official registration. The success of this initiative could set a precedent for other countries grappling with similar challenges in the digital age.
In sum, the Cabinet’s approval of the smartphone-less citizen survey marks a pivotal moment in Thailand’s pursuit of inclusive governance and digital economy development. By ensuring that no citizen is left behind, the government is taking concrete steps to make welfare benefits and economic opportunities accessible to all, regardless of their access to technology.
