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Doctors demand health tax: 23 billion baht for better care!
President of Rural Medical Association proposes 10% health tax on alcohol and tobacco to solve health care financial crisis.
Doctors demand health tax: 23 billion baht for better care!
In Bangkok, the debate about the financing of the healthcare system is becoming increasingly pressing. The President of the Rural Medical Association, Dr. Supat Hasuwa, has made a concrete proposal to the government: a 10% “health tax” on alcohol and tobacco. According to Hfocus, this tax hike could raise about 23 billion baht, which would provide significant relief to financially struggling hospitals.
Dr. Supat points out that the current budget allocation between government hospitals and the National Health Insurance Fund (NHSO) is inadequate. Hospitals are struggling with rising expenses while revenues are stagnating. This has already led to calls for serious reforms. The additional funds from the proposed tax will not go directly to the NHSO, but will be used to improve the health system overall.
Focus on financing health systems
The current tax revenue from products harmful to health is already considerable: in 2025, tobacco brought in 51.247 billion baht, alcohol 64.603 billion baht and beer even 90.013 billion baht. The total revenue from these taxes is a whopping 234.960 billion baht. An additional 10% tax on these products would increase prices accordingly and generate an additional 23 billion baht.
Dr. Supat has called on the government to recognize the importance of healthcare financing. This is particularly important to reduce social inequalities. A redoubled effort in health care is needed to ensure a right to health care for all instead of viewing it as a benefit.
The big picture in view
Developing a sustainable healthcare financing model is a long-term challenge. Readers may wonder what significance such a tax increase could have given Thailand's many social and economic challenges. Especially at a time when access to healthcare is a key concern for many.
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