Pheu Thai Party Reaffirms Commitment to '30 Baht' Healthcare Scheme

On August 11, 2026, Minister of Labour and Pheu Thai Party leader Julapun Amornvivat addressed concerns regarding the future of Thailand’s universal healthcare system, commonly known as the '30 Baht' scheme. Speaking at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters, Julapun met with a group of approximately 60 protesters who gathered to oppose potential structural changes to the program, specifically rumors regarding the introduction of a co-payment system.

According to Khaosod Online, Julapun explicitly denied that the government has any intention of requiring citizens to contribute financially to the healthcare fund. He emphasized that the '30 Baht' scheme, initiated in 2001 under the Thai Rak Thai Party, remains a core legacy of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Julapun stated that the party remains committed to maintaining the program as a free public welfare service, as it has been for the past two decades.

For residents and long-term visitors, this clarification provides stability regarding access to public medical services. The government’s stance suggests that the current funding model will persist without additional out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries. However, while the party has pledged to protect the program's current structure, observers may continue to monitor future government budget discussions to see if long-term fiscal sustainability measures are proposed in other areas of public health administration.