Nearly half of those eligible for government welfare benefits in Nongprue have not collected their cash-loaded smart cards.
Pattama Chiewchan, head of the sub-district’s Social Welfare Department, said 692 people were eligible for the new high-tech cards, but about 300 have not picked them up from the municipal office. Officials are trying to get the word out that benefits will expire if the cards are not retrieved.
The central government is pressing Nongprue to get everyone their cards. To determine if your card is waiting, call 038-933-119.
The smart cards offer 200-300 baht in credit for consumer goods at “blue flag” shops enrolled in the government welfare scheme. If the credit is not spent, it expires at month end.
Other benefits include free electricity up to 230 baht a month, free water up to 100 baht and annual 500-baht New Year’s gifts. Seniors also will receive 400 baht stipends.
