The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has unveiled a major push to modernise Thailand's social protection system, placing digital technology, artificial intelligence and data-driven services at the centre of efforts to improve quality of life and expand opportunities for people across all age groups.
The policy direction was highlighted at Social Development Expo 2026 (SDX 2026), held from Aug 21-23 at IMPACT Challenger Hall 2, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi, under the theme "Co-Creating a Better Society."
The national-level event brings together government agencies, the private sector, civil society, international organisations, diplomatic representatives and the public to exchange knowledge and showcase innovations, digital technologies, research and social development models from across the country.
Opening the expo, Nikorn Soemklang, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, outlined the ministry's achievements over its first 120 days under a policy aimed at creating a society where people can live well and have access to opportunities.
Mr Nikorn said the ministry was moving beyond a traditional welfare model focused primarily on responding to immediate hardship. Instead, its services are being redesigned around individuals, families and communities, allowing assistance to be delivered more accurately to those who need it.
A key element of the shift is the use of data, digital platforms and AI to proactively identify people in need, connect them with welfare entitlements and opportunities, and follow up on assistance, rather than waiting for people to approach government agencies themselves.
Among the ministry's major initiatives is the development of MSDHS Big Data, which has linked information on 231,091 vulnerable people in the MSO-Logbook database with state welfare card records.
The MSDHS Care digital service has also been introduced, allowing people to apply for six types of financial assistance through their smartphones. The platform has so far served 3,503 users.
Services for people with disabilities have meanwhile been integrated into the government's Tang Rat application, with 71,642 people with disabilities accessing services through the platform.
The ministry has also upgraded its 1300 social assistance hotline with AI technology to improve response times and provide faster support in urgent cases.
Its social development programmes cover people throughout their lives. A total of 435 early childhood development centres have been upgraded as model facilities, while 434 model community child protection centres have been established.
Child support grants have reached 2.42 million children, while children and youth councils are now operating at all levels through 8,778 councils nationwide.
At the community level, 2.51 million people are participating in community welfare schemes. The ministry is also operating 2,258 centres nationwide to promote quality of life and employment opportunities for older people, providing support to 169,150 senior citizens.
Support for people with disabilities has also been expanded, including a move to raise the disability allowance to 1,000 baht and the provision of assistive equipment to another 17,000 people.
Housing and living conditions have been improved for children, older people and people with disabilities in 10,559 homes, while 24,482 low-income households have received housing assistance through community-based housing programmes.
Employment initiatives have supported jobs for 75,772 people with disabilities and helped another 16,213 vulnerable people develop livelihoods.
A total of 9,509 people with disabilities and older people have received occupational loans worth 455 million baht. The maximum loan available through the fund for people with disabilities has also been increased from 120,000 baht to 300,000 baht to broaden access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The ministry is also seeking to make public services more accessible and responsive by reducing administrative procedures and reviewing eight key pieces of legislation.
A proposed Universal Design law is also being advanced to lay the groundwork for an environment in which people of all ages and abilities can access public spaces, services and opportunities on an equal basis.
Mr Nikorn said the ministry's next phase would focus on integrating policies that have traditionally been implemented separately.
"The next step is not about running isolated projects, but about creating a shared social agenda that connects people, families, communities, technology, housing, employment, welfare and legislation," he said.
"Every policy and every welfare measure must be able to make a real difference to people's lives at every stage, while ensuring that no one is left behind."
SDX 2026 is intended to serve as a platform for that approach, bringing together ideas, expertise and practical solutions from different sectors to help shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for Thai society.
