The latest round of changes to benefits under the welfare card scheme for low-income earners is expected to be summitted by the Finance Ministry to the cabinet for approval on Tuesday.
Speaking yesterday, Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said that if the cabinet approves this new round of the scheme, individual cardholders would be required to check their card rights using the website, https://welfare.mof.go.th and then register for identity authentication.
The list of those who can use the card will not be announced for this phase. With that said, Mr Arkhom cautioned the public to be wary of fraudsters claiming identity authentication.
He added that individuals who have cardholder status from the earlier phase of the card's validity will receive payment in this new phase if their financial status still meets the requirement.
However, the ministry will give compensation to those who have the subtotal money from the earlier phase but do not meet the requirement in the new phase. This group of people can extend their payment for one month after an announcement is made that the previous phase payment is terminated.
Access to benefits from using the card will remain unchanged as all the same shops and businesses can carry on offering the service, said Mr Arkhom, adding the ministry was considering expanding the initiative.
However, Mr Arkhom said this phase may see cardholders having to queue to get their train card or train coin at the office instead of pressing their identification card at the gate.
The scheme restarts on April 1 if it is approved by the cabinet, and Mr Arkhom said the full timeline for the welfare card registration will be announced later, after the cabinet gives its approval.