Thailand state welfare card benefits updated for May
Missed deadlines mean lost perks as monthly allowances and discounts come with strict usage rules
The Department of Comptroller General has announced the updated benefit schedule for state welfare cardholders in May, with key entitlements rolling out in two stages. Deputy Director General Tiwaporn Phasuk confirmed the details, urging recipients to check their eligibility and use the benefits promptly.
On May 1, cardholders automatically received:
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A 300 baht monthly spending allowance, redeemable for essential goods at participating shops. This amount cannot be withdrawn as cash or rolled over into the following month, so it’s use it or lose it.
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An 80 baht cooking gas discount, available once every three months. This cycle runs from April to June, and the discount is applied at participating vendors.
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A 750 baht travel allowance, usable across public transport networks, including buses, trains, services under the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), and select private bus operators. This travel credit is refreshed monthly.
The second phase of benefits will hit on May 20, when an additional 200 baht will be transferred to the bank accounts of those eligible with disabilities. This amount is supplementary to the 800 baht monthly disability allowance they already receive. The extra credit will be paid into accounts linked with the person’s 13-digit ID number or that of their authorised representative.
Officials are reminding recipients that these welfare benefits are strictly for eligible cardholders and are aimed at reducing everyday living expenses while supporting vulnerable populations.
Anyone with questions about the scheme can contact the State Welfare Card Call Centre at 0 2109 2345 or reach out to the Comptroller General’s Department Call Centre at 0 2270 6400 during official working hours.
The government continues to promote use of the smart ID-based welfare card system, designed to streamline benefit distribution and eliminate fraud, reported KhaoSod.
In similar news, the Social Security Fund (SSF) Board has rejected a proposed pension reform plan, citing its complexity. The formula aimed to adjust pension calculations for more than 300,000 insured individuals under Section 39—those no longer formally employed but still contributing to the SSF.
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