The annual report of the Thai National Health Service reveals which conditions are treated most frequently. Hypertension, diabetes and metabolic disorders dominate outpatient care, while infections and pneumonia account for many hospital admissions. These insights guide new health promotion and prevention strategies to strengthen public health in Thailand.
Hospitals in Thailand, which serve nearly 50 million people under the universal healthcare system, are facing serious financial difficulties. The lack of government budgets and the underestimation of medical costs by the National Health Security Office (NHSO) have led to major shortages. Hospitals are desperately looking for solutions, including donations, as pressure on healthcare providers continues to increase.
The Thai Healthcare System (Reader Submission)
During our recent stay in Thailand, my wife and I faced several health issues. While I recovered quickly from a cold, my wife required more medical care. Her treatment included multiple injections and bags full of medications. This brought us to the conclusion that in Thailand treatment is only taken seriously with injections and many medications.
Thailand to Launch Revolutionary Free Healthcare Program in 2024!
From January 8, 2024, Thailand will take a big step in healthcare: Thai citizens will be able to access free medical services with just their ID card. This historic change, spearheaded by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, represents an expansion of the existing Bt30 health program and will be gradually rolled out across the country.
Revolutionary improvements in healthcare: focus on cancer control and tourist safety
The Ministry of Health, led by Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, introduces an ambitious Quick Win program that focuses on comprehensive cancer control and tourism safety. In addition to a focus on cervical cancer and the introduction of HPV vaccinations, major steps are being taken to ensure the safety of tourists and strengthen confidence in Thailand as a travel destination.
A government must be held accountable for its attention to the underprivileged, such as the poor, the homeless, the disabled, migrant workers and refugees. To draw attention to the problematic access of migrant workers to public health care in Thailand, I translated an article from news website Prachatai.
When she registered a high fever in a woman in her rural community, Auntie Arun alerted the local hospital, which quickly dispatched a team of doctors and healthcare personnel to transport a COVID-19 patient. Fortunately, the woman did not have the corona virus and the village of Moo 11 in Nong Khai province remains free of the pandemic. Auntie Arun (Arunrat Rukthin), 60, said she intends to keep it that way.
Healthcare in Thailand on the agenda of the United Nations
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha recently spoke at the United Nations about Thailand's success in providing public health services within the framework of a general health policy. Prayut gave a speech about the high level of general health insurance in Thailand.
Inequality in Thailand: the consequences and the necessary improvement
Thailand is in many ways an extremely unequal society, one of the most unequal in the world. This applies to income, property and power. What are the consequences and what can be done about it?
'Health care in Thailand is among the best in the world'
According to the American magazine CEOWORLD, Thailand ranks sixth on the Healt Care Index, a list of 89 countries, which gives an indication of the quality of healthcare.
The National Health Security Office says that between 2016 and 2018, a total of 4,1 million Thai people received treatment after being diagnosed with cancer.
Reader Submission: Healthcare in Udon
Fortunately, Charly's life is full of pleasant surprises (unfortunately sometimes also less pleasant ones). Until a few years ago, he would never have dared to predict that he would spend the rest of his life in Thailand. However, he has now been living in Thailand for a while and in recent years close to Udonthani. Today: primary care in Thailand.
Everyone who lives here or stays longer in Thailand knows that there is a system of double entry fees for foreigners. A few years ago you could also buy a ticket as a foreigner on presentation of your Thai driver's license for the same price as a Thai. In many cases that will no longer work, even with a yellow house book.
The tragic death of a 15-year-old boy once again exposes the serious health problems in Thailand. The boy died after being admitted to a hospital in Cha-Am with abdominal pain.
Reader question: What does a 30 baht card really mean?
An acquaintance of mine has a 30 baht card and now needs surgery for the sweet sum of 120.000 baht. This person is not helped despite the 30 baht card. Does anyone have clarity on this? What is that card actually for? Was in state hospital this afternoon and will have to pay, while it is a life-threatening case. Doesn't have the money, so just die?
The Department of Health wants to open more mobile "family clinics" in every province over the next 10 years. In addition to better accessibility, this should reduce the pressure on government hospitals. The current 'community health promotion units' will be transformed into clinics for this purpose.
A story about healthcare and costs
We regularly read stories on this blog about the subject of health insurance. Especially for people who have deregistered in the Netherlands, this subject regularly gives rise to a lot of discussion. Many who have exchanged the Netherlands for Thailand grumble quite a bit about the rules of conduct of Dutch health insurers in particular.
News from Thailand – September 14, 2014
Today in News from Thailand:
• Minister starts first working day with ritual at guardian spirit
• Two students shot dead on motorcycle
• Power banks are allowed in hand luggage on THAI flights
Reader question: What about elderly care in Thailand?
My girlfriend is from Isaan, Pak Chong to be precise. Her parents, like many people in the Isaan, are poor, very poor. Is there any support from the government for the Thai people if they no longer have any income due to old age?
'Personal contribution leads to better healthcare'
Increasing the personal contribution has been a hot topic since the idea was recently put forward. Experts say it leads to improvements in healthcare.
I read on the internet that the 'Health Card for foreigners' will no longer be issued to farangs as of March 2014 and that current owners of such a Card are no longer insured and can get their 2200 baht back. Is that right?
Reader question: Health care costs for Thai residents
An aunt of mine (Thai woman) is in hospital in Bangkok and needs surgery. I assume it is a normal state hospital and not a private clinic. The operation takes place quickly and according to her she has to pay 5.000 Baht for the operation.