Thailand's universal coverage rests on a single piece of legislation. The National Health Security Act B.E. 2545 (2002) gives every person the right to standard health services, and creates the National Health Security Board, the Quality and Standard Control Board, NHSO, and the fund that pays for the Universal Coverage Scheme.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej gave the Act on the 11th day of November B.E. 2545. It was published in the Government Gazette on 18 November B.E. 2545 (2002) and came into force the next day, 19 November B.E. 2545 (2002).
Download the full Act (PDF)Eleven provisions define what the scheme covers, who governs it, and how it is paid for.
1
Services for disease prevention, disease diagnosis, medical treatment, health promotion, and rehabilitation, including Thai traditional and alternative medicine services.
2
Every person has the right to receive services that are of good standard and delivered in an efficient manner, as prescribed in the Act.
3
A primary care unit in the district or sub-district where the eligible person lives or works is their fixed service unit — except for good reason, accident or emergency, and patient referral.
4
Anyone eligible under an existing law keeps the right to receive services under that law. The National Health Security Board sets up the mechanism to provide services under this Act.
5
Thirty members, including the Minister of Public Health as chairperson and five representatives of the civic sector.
6
A state agency and juristic person under the supervision of the Minister of Public Health. The Board appoints and dismisses the Secretary-General.
7
Money for service provision comes from the annual government budget and other income. The Board requests NHSO's operating budget from the cabinet.
8
Up to 1% of the budget payable to service units may be withheld to pay preliminary assistance to service recipients harmed by treatment — the basis of Section 41.
9
Thirty-five members, including a president elected from among the members and five representatives of the civic sector.
10
Service units and their networks must be registered, and criteria are set for paying them for health services.
11
An investigation committee is established to investigate, make recommendations, and report to the Quality and Standard Control Board.
Source: Sirivan Pitayarangsarit, Pongpisut Jongudomsuk, Thavorn Sakulpanich and colleagues, The Process for Formulating Universal Coverage of Health Care Policy and the National Health Security Act 2002.
