Health checkups are required for foreign workers before working in Thailand, and they must be registered for health insurance. Classification of health check results, according to the health insurance operation manual for foreigners and foreign workers, is divided into three categories:

Category 1: Persons with normal health examination results;

Category 2: Those who have passed the health examination results but need continuous follow-up treatment, because the person has an infectious condition or is sick with a disease that must be treated and controlled at the discretion of the inspecting physician, including tuberculosis, lymphatic filariasis, syphilis;

Category 3: Persons who have failed health examination results for any of the following reasons:

1. Tuberculosis in a dangerous stage; leprosy in the stage when symptoms appear appalling to society; elephantiasis in the stage at which symptoms are appalling to society; addiction to harmful substances; syphilis in stage 3; or alcoholism with obvious symptoms;

2. Having a disease other than those listed in the first part, at the discretion of the physician;

3. Conditions that hinder work, at the discretion of the physician;

4. Physical disability or mental infirmity that makes the person unable to earn a living.

       When the health institute has examined the person’s health, and if the results show that the migrant workers or their dependents who applied for the health checkup are classified as type 2, the infirmary shall provide continuous follow-up treatment or refer them to a medical facility with the potential for treatment, according to the agreement in the area to continue the treatment.

       As for issuing a medical certificate, it is valid for 60 days from the date of health check-up, except for health insurance, which is valid for 1 year from the date of check-up.

       In the case of a “pass” health check-up result, the hospital shall provide a medical certificate and put it in a sealed envelope; it should be signed and have 1 stamp of the medical facility; this is necessary for the foreigner's report or dependents requesting examination, as evidence to be used in applying for a work permit.

       In cases when the health check-up result is "failing," the health check-up hospital will put a red stamp on the doctor's certificate, with the wording "Return required," and send a copy of the results to the Immigration Office (Immigration) in the area or nearby province. A copy should also be sent to the local police station to notify them that the person should return to their country. In the event that the patient must be treated until the contagious or dangerous period has passed, they still should be sent back immediately, during treatment, so the patients and employers are responsible for their own expenses.

Source: Health Insurance Operation Manual for Aliens and Foreign Workers, Ministry of Public Health, 2020

Division of Health Economy and Health Security, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health, 88/20 Tiwanon Road, Talad Khwan Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nonthaburi Province 11000

Tel. +66 2590 1553