Somkid insists it is impossible to abolish the 30 Baht Universal Healthcare scheme. He urges not to diminish human dignity and says Pheu Thai is ready to protect citizens' rights to receive equal medical treatment.
On 31 July 2026, Mr. Somkid Chuekong, former Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister and former Ubon Ratchathani MP for Pheu Thai, spoke about the 30 Baht Universal Healthcare scheme. Over the past week, there has been debate about ending the 30 Baht scheme or the gold card healthcare system. He has followed the news closely and believes it is impossible. Those proposing this idea are from the People’s Party and some media, who have criticized Pheu Thai for remaining silent and not commenting. Recently, Mr. Suchart Thadathamrongvej from Pheu Thai stated opposition to legislation requiring citizens to co-pay.
Somkid said the 30 Baht Universal Healthcare scheme is the National Health Security program, which he once explained to then-Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to ensure understanding. Prayut praised the policy at the United Nations but avoided mentioning the 30 Baht scheme. Somkid clarified to him that it is the same program, managed by the National Health Security Office (NHSO), covering about 45 million people with a 2026 budget of 275 billion baht. It covers many diseases, including HIV, with 36 billion baht spent on prevention and treatment, and kidney disease, with 16 billion baht allocated. On average, Thais receive about 4,200 baht per year in care. Civil servants and families, about 5.5 million people, receive 97 billion baht for healthcare from the government, while social security covers about 12.5 million people according to the law.
“Today, the 30 Baht Treatment Everywhere program has come a long way, and everything should continue to improve. Since 2002, people have been cared for under this system. Don’t assume that requiring co-payment will benefit people. Look at the government’s half-half co-payment scheme—how much are people really paying? The ongoing media focus on hospital deficits and claims that funds have run out have been constant. Every government has used central budget funds to cover nearly 7 billion baht per year. Don’t worry, this program is the only one that reduces social inequality. It is a program that recognizes people’s humanity. We must not have destitute patients anymore. Any changes must improve the system and never diminish human dignity.”