Thailand is a country that places great emphasis on public health systems, thus continually striving for development to achieve the goal of holistic health for its citizens. Such health assurance principles are even embodied in the constitution. The state-led health care system not only caters to Thais within the country but also includes Thais residing abroad.
Currently, about 1,500,000 Thais are residing overseas, and this number is expected to grow continuously. Furthermore, the number of Thai tourists traveling abroad is increasing each year, exceeding 10 million. Unpredictable incidents might occur while they are overseas.
Previously, health care was managed by relevant departments such as the Department of Medical Services, Department of Mental Health, Department of Disease Control, Department of Emergency Public Health, National Institute of Emergency Medicine, and Department of Public Health Administration. Still, there were issues related to public health systems, such as access to medical treatment and repatriation for continued treatment. Therefore, the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aim to develop cooperation in taking care of the health of Thais living abroad, reducing procedures, reducing time, and increasing efficiency.
The Ministry of Public Health has collaborated with senior administrators of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to plan the development of a health care system for Thais abroad, covering all dimensions. This includes promoting health, prevention, disease and health risk control, care and treatment in both normal and emergency situations, and referrals. This is aimed towards the formulation of a “Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Health Care for Government Officials and Personnel of Embassies and Consulates Abroad, and Thais Abroad”.
The target groups include government officials, officers and personnel affiliated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who are stationed at embassies and consulates worldwide, numbering more than 2,000 people, Thais abroad, and Thai tourists. The initiative will start with the group of government officials and embassy and consulate personnel abroad as a pilot phase to develop the system and serve as a coordination point to expand results to Thai citizens and tourists worldwide.
Source: The Public Relations Division of the Office of the Permanent Secretary, the Ministry of Public Health No. 88/20, Moo 4, Talat Khwan Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nonthaburi 11000
Tel. +66 2590 1000
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