"Social Security" Supports the use of telemedicine services to care for insured persons under Sections 33 and 39 suffering from 26 chronic diseases to reduce travel expenses.
On 19 May 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Kanchana Phunkaew, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office, revealed that the Medical Committee under the Social Security Act issued a notification on the criteria and service rates for telemedicine during the conflict situation in the Middle East. The regulation is effective from 1 May 2026 to 31 July 2026 to help alleviate the impact of rising oil prices and reduce travel expenses for insured persons.
The key point of the notification is that the Social Security Office will pay medical service fees to designated healthcare facilities that provide telemedicine services for insured persons under Sections 33 and 39 with 26 types of chronic diseases as outpatients (OPD) at a rate of 65 baht per session for a period of 3 months.
The Medical Committee approved increasing medical service fees to cover telemedicine care for insured persons with chronic diseases who have stable symptoms suitable for remote treatment, mostly involving symptom monitoring and medication continuation. Currently, 118 healthcare facilities nationwide are participating in telemedicine services with the Social Security Office to ensure convenient, rapid access for insured persons and reduce hospital congestion.
The 26 chronic diseases covered by the notification include diabetes, hypertension, chronic inflammation and cirrhosis, heart failure, stroke (hemorrhagic or ischemic), cancer, immunodeficiency diseases, emphysema, chronic kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, myasthenia gravis, diabetes insipidus, multiple sclerosis, hyperlipidemia, rheumatoid arthritis, glaucoma, nephrotic syndrome, lupus, aplastic anemia, thalassemia, hemophilia, leprosy, chronic blistering skin diseases, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), hyperthyroidism, and psychiatric disorders.
This measure will allow insured persons under Sections 33 and 39 to continuously access medical services while reducing the need to travel to healthcare facilities for medication by using home delivery of medicines in conjunction with telemedicine services. Healthcare facilities will bill the Social Security Office directly, so insured persons do not have to pay upfront.
Additionally, the Social Security Office requires participating healthcare facilities to have telemedicine systems that meet standards set by the Ministry of Public Health. Qualified professionals such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, or various licensed medical practitioners must provide consultation, diagnosis, and treatment through digital systems.
The facilities must also have reliable and secure identity verification systems, technological infrastructure supporting efficient communication between providers and patients, electronic transaction recording, data storage and security, comprehensive treatment reporting, and full patient rights notification.
Moreover, there must be systems to supervise and monitor compliance with standards, ensuring equitable and accessible services, and supporting consultation among providers or health personnel to maximize treatment effectiveness.
However, this support measure for telemedicine fees marks an important step by the Social Security Office to enhance access to public health services in line with rapidly changing global circumstances. It also helps reduce costs and travel needs for insured persons, especially those with chronic diseases, enabling continuous, safe, and effective treatment, reflecting a comprehensive commitment to quality of life for insured persons in all situations.