General
Health Minister Clarifies Status of 60 Billion Baht Gold Card Budget
Minister of Public Health Phatthana addresses concerns regarding the 60 billion baht Gold Card budget, confirming it remains allocated for public healthcare services.
On August 5, 2026, Thai Post reported that Minister of Public Health Phatthana addressed public concerns regarding the 60 billion baht Gold Card (Universal Coverage Scheme) budget. The Minister clarified that these funds have not disappeared but have been distributed across various service units to support healthcare for 80% of the country's population.
For residents and long-term visitors in Thailand, this clarification is significant as it pertains to the stability of the national healthcare infrastructure. The Minister emphasized that the Ministry is currently adjusting operational procedures to align with the Primary Health Care Act. This administrative shift is intended to ensure that every baht spent provides maximum value and efficiency in service delivery.
While the Minister has provided assurances regarding the allocation of these funds, specific details regarding the timeline for these operational adjustments and how they might impact individual service access points remain to be confirmed. The Ministry maintains that the budget is being utilized to maintain the continuity of care for the vast majority of the population. Further updates on the implementation of the Primary Health Care Act and its impact on service delivery are expected as the Ministry continues its internal restructuring.
Translated from Thai.
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