Starting July 25, the Thai government is launching a digital wallet initiative allowing citizens to receive 10,000 baht (approximately $275 USD). Managed by the Ministry of Finance, this program aims to boost the economy in the fourth quarter of the year, with registration remaining open until mid-September via the Tang Rat app, available on both iOS and Android devices.
The registration process is straightforward; users must download the Tang Rat app, register using their national ID card, and complete identity verification through facial recognition. Alternative verification methods include service counters at 7-Eleven stores, Thai Post counters, Boonterm kiosks, multi-purpose government service kiosks, and the ThaID app.
For those opting for government service kiosks, users need their national ID card and mobile phone, and by following the on-screen instructions, they will receive a QR code to complete the app setup. The D.DOPA app, developed by the Department of Provincial Administration, also facilitates identity verification and allows users to book appointments with government services.
Boonterm kiosks, available 24 hours at over 2,000 locations, provide electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) services. Users can verify their identity by inserting their national ID card and following the instructions, with further steps confirmed via SMS.
Thai Post offices also offer identity verification services, where users present their national ID and mobile phone to the staff. The 7-Eleven service counters, meanwhile, enable identity verification by generating a QR code scanned by the store staff, followed by a confirmation SMS.
Once registered and verified, users need to open the Tang Rat app, access the registration section, grant permission for personal data access, accept the terms and conditions, and wait for approval, which is expected on September 22. New users follow similar steps, including e-KYC verification and account creation.
The Ministry of Finance has scheduled merchant registrations to begin on October 1, while the Ministry of Commerce will provide updates on items that cannot be purchased with the digital wallet, having identified 18 such items and outlined eight conditions and prohibitions for eligibility.
Source: Thaiger
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July 25, 2024 — by Ali Nassar-Smith
