Suchart stressed that the 30-baht universal healthcare scheme is a fundamental human right, not charity for the poor, and firmly opposes requiring patients to share treatment costs.
On 30 July 2026, Mr. Suchart Thadathamrongvej, a Member of Parliament from the Pheu Thai Party, said the 30-baht universal health coverage policy represents a key shift in Thailand's mindset—from viewing the poor as helpless patients waiting for aid to affirming that all citizens have the dignified right to equal medical treatment.
Research from both domestic and international sources such as the World Bank, WHO, and BMJ Global Health Journal shows that the 30-baht health insurance system improves public access to services, reduces expenses, and lowers the risk of bankruptcy from medical costs, especially among low-income groups.
Proposals to reintroduce patient co-payments could become obstacles for the poor, those with unstable incomes, the elderly, and chronic patients who cannot afford to pay. There are also hidden costs like travel expenses and lost income. If treatment depends on ability to pay, the system would regress to charity-based care for the poor and increase inequality in medical access, resembling outdated times long past.
Suchart also stated that the gold card system needs development by increasing budget according to disease burden and aging demographics, reducing redundant tests and treatments through health data systems, promoting disease prevention and primary care, paying hospitals based on quality and outcomes, controlling drug and medical supply prices, and reducing disparities among the three health funds. The solution must not shift costs onto patients at their most vulnerable moments but rather "upgrade the system" instead of "raising barriers for patients."
“Therefore, I do not agree with requiring patients to share costs, which creates barriers to accessing care. Universal health coverage is not a gift or charity but a fundamental human right that money cannot buy,” he said. . Suchart said