Health
Physical Therapy Council Highlights Stroke Rehabilitation Gaps in Thailand
The Physical Therapy Council of Thailand reports that over 70% of stroke patients lack access to standard physical therapy, prompting a call for new measures to support an aging society.
On September 2, 2026, the Physical Therapy Council of Thailand and the Physical Therapy Association of Thailand hosted a seminar titled 'Is Thailand Ready for a Quality Aging Society through Physical Therapy?' at the Bio+Healthtech International 2026 event in Bangkok. During the discussion, experts revealed that more than 70% of stroke patients in the country are currently not receiving physical therapy in accordance with established medical standards.
This finding is significant for residents and long-term visitors, as it underscores potential challenges in the local healthcare infrastructure regarding post-stroke recovery and geriatric care. The council proposed four specific measures to address these gaps, aiming to better integrate physical therapy into the national health strategy as Thailand transitions into an aging society. Representatives from the National Health Security Office (NHSO), the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and various political parties participated in the dialogue to discuss health benefits and policy directions.
While the council has identified these critical shortcomings, the specific implementation timeline for the proposed measures remains to be confirmed. For those living in or traveling to Thailand, this highlights the importance of verifying the availability of specialized rehabilitation services when planning for long-term health needs. Further policy developments are expected as stakeholders continue to coordinate on these aging-society initiatives.