The government is preparing to train 10,000 community nursing volunteers (CNVs) to work proactively alongside village health volunteers (VHVs) to provide local-level healthcare, particularly for the elderly, bedridden patients, and vulnerable groups.
On 29 May 2026, Ms. Ploytale Laksamee Sangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government, through the Ministry of Public Health, is advancing health policy by training 10,000 community nursing volunteers (CNVs) to work proactively with village health volunteers (VHVs) to care for health and promote quality of life across all age groups, especially the elderly, bedridden patients, and vulnerable populations.
Ms. Ploytale stated that the primary role of CNVs is to work in local areas to provide healthcare, perform initial disease screening, conduct public health campaigns, and coordinate with VHVs or Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals (SHPHs) to link patients with treatment. The focus is on four target groups: 1) elderly and bedridden patients.
2) patients with non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs), 3) mothers and children, and 4) psychiatric and substance abuse patients. Each CNV will care for 24 individuals, conducting home visits according to a care plan one to two times per week, totaling at least 80-100 visits per month (an average of 4-5 visits daily). They will provide care by monitoring vital signs, performing basic procedures like wound care and pressure sore prevention, overseeing medication adherence for NCD and psychiatric patients, assessing child development, and monitoring pregnant women.
Ms. Ploytale added that in 2026, the government through the Department of Health Service Support, Ministry of Public Health, has set guidelines for training CNVs. Applications will open in the third and fourth quarters of 2026 via the “Mor Prom” app, the Department’s website, and the Boromarajonani College website. Applicants must be aged 22-70 with a bachelor's degree. They will undergo interviews and psychological assessments before signing a two-year contract and receiving training at regional training centers. Training duration varies by qualification: 1) those with health-related bachelor's degrees will train for two months (240 hours), 2) those with other bachelor's degrees will train for four months (480 hours), and 3) retired professional nurses (up to 70 years old) will train for one week (30 hours). Training includes 30% theory, 50% practical, and 20% fieldwork. Trainees must score at least 70% to pass.
“The government confirms that training 10,000 community nursing volunteers will not affect existing caregivers but will enhance skills and strengthen community patient care systems. There is no cause for concern. The government is ready to review details and consider all proposals. The goal is to create employment and develop the healthcare workforce by upskilling at various levels according to roles and skills gained. Caregivers can continue their work as usual without impact from this policy,” she said.