Cashless welfare cards issued for poor across country

BANGKOK, Sept 21 (TNA) – Distribution of e-welfare cards to registered poor people started today, except in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces. The low income earners flocked to state-run banks to receive the e-welfare benefit cards, which give them monthly allowance of 1,500 baht to buy consumers goods and farm raw materials as well as monthly fare for public transportation. Meanwhile, about 1.3 million of the low income earners in seven other provinces including Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathun Thani, Ayutthaya, Samut Prakarn, Nkahon Pathom and Samut Sakorn will receive welfare cards on Oct 17. The delay is caused by production of two chip cards, which will allow them to use Bangkok public transport system such as electric trains. About 14 million people applied for the privileges for the poor but about two million people failed to meet the qualifications. (TNA)