BANGKOK — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has launched the fourth and final phase of Thailand’s “30 Baht Universal Healthcare Access for All Thai Citizens” healthcare program, which will extend coverage to 31 additional provinces, achieving nationwide implementation by January 1, 2025.
The program marks a successful digital transformation of Thailand’s healthcare system, with 100% of Thai citizens now having personal Health IDs.
Speaking at Government House on December 25, 2024, PM Paetongtarn highlighted that this milestone represents the evolution of the original “Universal Coverage Scheme,” better known as the “30 Baht Universal Healthcare” scheme, which was launched 22 years ago, into a comprehensive digital healthcare system.
The event was attended by Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Chanruangthong, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, and over 200 representatives from government agencies, public networks, and private sector organizations.
The new system has already shown promising results, with more than 80,000 previously unregistered citizens accessing healthcare services through participating private pharmacies and clinics. The digital transformation includes features such as online appointments, digital referrals, and LINE messaging notifications for medical appointments.
Key developments for 2025 include:
- Establishment of elderly care facilities nationwide
- Creation of 15,000 elderly care worker positions across the country
- Implementation of early screening programs with self-testing kits
- Comprehensive mental health services
- Rehabilitation programs for substance abuse patients
- Development of 50 hospitals across 50 districts in Bangkok
According to Public Health Minister Somsak, the program has been well-received, with over 6.5 million people accessing services approximately 15 million times through 13,000 registered innovative service units. The system now includes 14 new service innovations, such as telemedicine, mobile dental units, proactive medical clinics, and home blood testing services.
The digital infrastructure showcased at the event included various platforms such as MorPrompt, Health Link, AMED system, Dent Cloud, and Krungthai digital health platform, demonstrating the comprehensive integration of healthcare services across multiple agencies.
This latest expansion marks the culmination of a phased rollout that began in January 2024, representing a significant upgrade to Thailand’s universal healthcare system, which has been internationally recognized since its initial implementation in 2002.
The new “30 Baht Treat Anywhere” program maintains the affordable 30-baht (nearly one USD) fee while dramatically expanding access and modernizing service delivery through digital integration.
_____________
