The Thai government is set to update its welfare benefits program for 2025, with a focus on assisting citizens in need. The Ministry of Finance has assured the public that ongoing payments for existing welfare cardholders will continue uninterrupted, while new registration for the welfare program is expected to open soon.
Ms. Saowaporn Phasook, Deputy Director-General of the Comptroller General's Department, revealed that payments under the welfare registration project from 2022 are being expedited to ensure completion by May 2025. Eligible individuals can utilize their smart ID cards to access benefits as of May 1, 2025.
Starting from this date, the welfare benefits include a monthly allowance of 300 baht for purchasing goods, 80 baht per person every three months for cooking gas (from May to July 2025), and 750 baht per person each month for public transportation, which covers various transit options including buses and trains.
Additionally, on May 20, 2025, an extra monthly payment of 200 baht will be provided to individuals with disabilities who possess disability cards and currently receive a monthly disability allowance of 800 baht.
The government is also preparing to launch a new welfare registration system aimed at helping those who truly require assistance. This new program is projected to benefit at least 10 million people. The eligibility criteria will focus on individuals who are Thai citizens aged 18 years and older, with personal income not exceeding 100,000 baht per year, and total family income also capped at 100,000 baht annually.
Furthermore, applicants must not hold financial assets exceeding 100,000 baht per person, and they are prohibited from owning credit cards or having housing loans exceeding 1.5 million baht. The government is also keen to ensure that those who previously did not receive benefits, including young adults who have recently turned 18 and individuals who registered but did not confirm their identities, are included in this new round of assistance.
In a bid to streamline the registration process, the government will utilize the "Tang Rat" (Government Wallet) Super App, which will serve as the main platform for citizens to register and verify their identities. This app is expected to facilitate a more efficient and user-friendly experience for applicants.
For those who have previously used the "Tang Rat" app, re-registration and identity verification will be necessary to prepare for the new welfare program. Users can easily register by selecting the "Citizen Registration" menu and completing the required verification process.
To address any questions or concerns regarding the welfare card, citizens can reach out to the Welfare Card Call Center at 0 2109 2345 or contact the Comptroller General's Department at 0 2270 6400 during business hours.
Meanwhile, the Thai baht has recently shown signs of strength, aligning with regional currencies due to a weakening US dollar and capital inflows into the region. According to SCB Financial Markets, the baht's performance is closely tied to external factors, particularly the US dollar's fluctuations and the movement of capital in and out of Asia.
Mr. Paithoon Poolee, Executive Vice President at SCB, stated that the baht's appreciation is supported by the decline in the US dollar index, which has prompted investors to diversify their portfolios away from US assets, thereby benefiting currencies in the region.
Despite the positive trends, the baht remains susceptible to volatility, particularly due to uncertainties surrounding US tariffs and their impact on the Thai economy. The market currently anticipates that the Federal Reserve will maintain interest rates in the range of 4.25% to 4.50%, with a growing consensus that rate cuts may occur later in the year.
Mr. Wachirawat Banchuen, a senior market strategist at SCB, noted that the baht is likely to strengthen against the dollar, driven by the anticipated capital inflows into emerging markets and Asia. However, he cautioned that Thailand's capital inflows are expected to remain lower than those of other countries in the region.
As the government prepares for the new welfare program and the baht's fluctuating value, it is clear that both initiatives are crucial for supporting the Thai economy and its citizens. With the launch of the "Tang Rat" app and the expansion of welfare benefits, the government aims to provide much-needed assistance to those facing economic challenges.
In conclusion, the Thai government's efforts to enhance welfare benefits and streamline registration processes reflect a commitment to supporting its citizens, particularly those in need. As the economic landscape continues to evolve, these initiatives will play a vital role in ensuring that assistance reaches those who require it most.
