Revolution in Thai healthcare: 30 billion baht saved!

Revolution in Thai healthcare: 30 billion baht saved!

On November 4, 2025, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul launched a promising project called “สุขกาย สบายกระเป๋า” (Health and Wallet) in Bangkok. The aim of this initiative is to improve Thailand's healthcare system and reduce the cost of living for the population by over 30 billion baht annually. This reports prd.go.th.

At the inauguration of the project, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed involving the Internal Trade Department and the Health Services Department of the Ministry of Health, as well as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Association of Private Hospitals. The presence of various ministries, state secretaries and representatives of hospitals and pharmacies underlined the importance of this project.

An important step for citizens

The project has the potential to revolutionize medical care in Thailand and significantly reduce costs for patients. A key component will be a requirement for private hospitals to disclose drug pricing information to give patients more choice. Over 300 private hospitals and more than 3,400 pharmacies have already registered for the project, demonstrating the commitment to transparency in the healthcare sector.

An additional highlight is the planned telepharmacy services, which will enable citizens to access medication more easily and quickly. In his speech, Prime Minister Charnvirakul emphasized the importance of cooperation between the government and private institutions to improve the healthcare system.

Thailand's dual health system

Thailand is known for its dual healthcare system, which consists of public and private facilities. While public health care is cost-effective and an important resource, it is often overwhelmed. Private hospitals, on the other hand, offer more modern facilities but at higher prices. Loud thethaiger.com For example, the typical cost of a general practitioner visit in the private sector is between 800 and 1,500 baht. Specialist visits cost between 1,500 and 3,000 baht, while major procedures such as heart surgery can cost hefty sums starting at 651,300 baht.

Despite the higher cost of private healthcare services, Thailand is generally considered to be cheaper compared to Western countries. Private health insurance is therefore a must for many to cover unforeseen expenses and meet visa requirements. Providers like Cigna offer special plans for expats that offer comprehensive benefits and support.

Tips for reducing costs

There are various ways for Thai citizens and expats to save on healthcare costs. Using public hospitals for routine treatment can be particularly economical. It is also advisable to combine insurance policies and obtain information about hospital services in advance. This way you can stay on the safe side financially and benefit optimally from the changes in the healthcare system.

The “สุขกาย สบายกระเป๋า” initiative could not only significantly change the country's healthcare landscape, but also relieve the financial burden on many people.