Health System in the Kingdom of Thailand: Reforms, Achievements and Challenges

Abstract

Health systems in Thailand have been frequently researched since its reforms in early 2000s, especially in the context of  health coverage (UHC). Globally, Thailand comes closest to having achieved UHC, adhering to the principles of universality, comprehensiveness, and equitable access. The country has followed the path to UHC since 2001, even before it became a global sustainable development goal. There was one major reform in Thailand that took place in 2001 that defined its journey to UHC. Minor reforms have been occurring in the development of infrastructure and expansion of human resources in health since the 1970s. Since 2002, the Universal Coverage Scheme has been the single defining and most significant driving force of the Thai healthcare system. Despite political disruptions, coups, and military rule, the UHC has been upheld. The system has institutionalised consensus building across stakeholders and interest groups, including citizen representatives, to provide universally accessible services. The health outcomes show that Thailand performs better than many upper-middle income countries and has among the lowest out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) in the world.