Most of the money, Bt1.581 billion, will be spent creating smartcards for 14.12 million low-income citizens who have registered for state welfare and whose credentials are currently being inspected.&nbsp; 
The cards contain two memory chips, one to be used in paying fares on public transport and similar services and the other for making payments via Electronic Data Capture devices.&nbsp; 
The cards will also cover welfare funds to which the holder is entitled, such as old-age and disability allowances. 
Bt124 million of the budget will pay for civil service welfare cards to be in use beginning on October 1 with the aim of curbing abuses of medical welfare.

Bt1.7 billion earmarked for welfare smartcards

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a Bt1.705-billion budget for identity smartcards for welfare entitlements for 14 million low-income people and 4.5 million civil servants.