A new policy in Thailand makes it mandatory for all migrant workers in the country to purchase health insurance. The new policy aims at reducing the national burden on account of medical expenditure.
According to a news report in https://www.nationthailand.com/ the new policy is being rolled out in phases, starting with a pilot that has started in four border provinces of the country. It also involves the introduction of a digital platform to help streamline the process. The digital platform would enable online verification of identity, e-medical certificates and also the purchase of government-provided health insurance.
The new programme would be in place and operational nation-wide from January 2026. It is also likely that it will help prevent the spread of diseases.
Thailand deputy minister of public health Worachot Sukonkhajorn is leading the new initiative. He said that minister of public health Pattana Promphat is working to accelerate the implementation of the programme. He said the initiative is designed to reduce the country's medical expenditure burden and systematically prevent and control epidemics.
The initiative launched jointly with the ministry of interior and the ministry of labour allows migrant workers to complete their health check-ups and purchase health insurance at a single location.
Mr Sukonkhajorn said the first phase has started in the four pilot provinces and the second phase would see the pilot being expanded to 10 provinces and a full-scale nation-wide launch in the third phase by January 2026.
He said this would ensure migrant workers in Thailand can work legally, receive health check-ups, and have health security when they fall ill, which will "help reduce the country's expenses and effectively control and prevent diseases along the border."