Nattapong confirmed that rumors are untrue, stating the People's Party has no plan to abolish the 30-Baht Scheme and the Gold Card system, and welcomes collaboration to ensure that reforms of the universal health coverage system bring maximum benefits to the people.
On 27 Jul 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, posted on Facebook denying reports that the party intends to abolish the 30-Baht Scheme. As party leader, he affirmed this is false and the People's Party has no intention to dismantle the 30-Baht Scheme or the universal health coverage system, which provides the public with broad and equitable access to health services.
The universal health coverage system, known as the "Gold Card," plays a crucial role in public health care, enabling people of all financial backgrounds to access comprehensive medical services. It is recognized internationally as a major success of Thailand's public health system.
However, all parties now agree that the Gold Card system faces multiple challenges that, if not addressed promptly, will have long-term negative effects on service providers such as hospitals and medical staff, as well as on the users themselves—the public.
The People's Party believes addressing these root issues is necessary. Therefore, the party supports amending the National Health Security Act of 2002, known as the "Gold Card Law." The party's stance is to revise the law to enhance the system's sustainability and efficiency in terms of budget, service quality, and staff morale. The People's Party will oppose any legislation that reduces citizens' benefits or increases their burden in accessing healthcare services.
Regarding the legislative amendment process, the People's Party will review all proposals, including government drafts, before deciding on the party's course of action. The party remains open to suggestions and concerns from all sides and is willing to collaborate to ensure that reforms to the universal health coverage system optimally benefit the public.
Finally, I and the People's Party reiterate that we have no intention to abolish the 30-Baht Scheme or the Gold Card system. We will oppose any legislation that reduces citizens' benefits or increases their burdens just to access quality healthcare. The universal health coverage system is a "guarantee of human dignity." I emphasize that the party views public healthcare welfare as a fundamental right that citizens must receive. The party will work to increase representation of civil society and healthcare providers on the NHSO board to achieve the goal of "patients, medical personnel, and hospitals" surviving and thriving together.