Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin on 7 January 2024 presided over the launching of the expansion of the Universal Health Coverage program, known as the “30-Baht Healthcare for Treatment Anywhere with One ID Card.”

The launching ceremony took place in the northeastern province of Roi Et. The expanded 30-baht healthcare scheme was kicked off as a pilot project in four provinces, namely Roi Et, Phrae, Phetchaburi, and Narathiwat.

In this scheme, people who are eligible for the Universal Health Coverage program may receive medical treatment outside the hospitals they are assigned to, but still within the same province. They simply show a single identification card to have access to the free medical services.

The Prime Minister said that the Government attaches great importance to improving the quality of life of all groups of people in all areas of the country. It has been pushing for the use of digital technology in public health management and efficient patient record sharing at all levels of participating medical facilities. The expanded 30-baht healthcare scheme gives patients the freedom to choose the healthcare provider best suited for them.

In the second phase, the Ministry of Public Health will expand the scheme to cover another eight provinces, namely Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Sing Buri, Sa Kaeo, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Nakhon Ratchasima, Amnat Charoen, and Phang-nga. The scheme is set to cover all provinces nationwide within one year.

Referred to as the gold card or 30-baht scheme, Thailand’s Universal Health Coverage program has been implemented since 2002, aimed at providing all Thai citizens with essential preventive and curative health services at all life stages.

The Government will continue to invest in and upgrade the program to ensure that the number of households facing health impoverishment is below 0.25 percent by 2027.