BANGKOK — 7 June 2026, Thailand’s universal healthcare scheme will begin covering gender-affirming hormone therapy this month, the government announced on Sunday, in a move timed to coincide with Pride Month.
Ploythale Laksamisangchan, deputy government spokeswoman, said the National Health Security Office (NHSO) has already procured the medications, with distribution to 50 service providers expected to begin no later than 10 June.
The benefit package covers eight hormone medications across four categories: oral and topical female hormones, injectable male hormones, oral anti-androgens, and central hormone-suppressing injections. Coverage also extends to health check-ups, mental health consultations, and laboratory tests including hormone levels, liver function, kidney function, and metabolic screening.
Ploythale said eligible service providers include civil society private clinics, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration public health centres, and selected government hospitals. She advised patients to follow announcements from the NHSO and relevant authorities for updates on participating facilities.
She also cautioned that hormone therapy carries physical and psychological side effects that may lead to future health complications, and stressed that patients must receive comprehensive consultation and ongoing care from specialists before beginning treatment.
The gender-affirming care package has been formally incorporated into the Gold Card universal coverage scheme.
