Cabinet Approves 'Gold Hero' Certificate to Support Families of 27 Soldiers Killed at Thai-Cambodian Border
The Cabinet approved the 'Gold Hero' certificate program to provide healthcare benefits to families of 27 soldiers killed along the Thai-Cambodian border, ensuring bereaved relatives maintain medical coverage equivalent to government employ
At 2:00 PM on May 12, 2025, at Government House, Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Perisawiwat announced the Cabinet's decision to establish healthcare support guidelines for families of military personnel killed during combat operations along the Thai-Cambodian border. The decision was made to ensure families continue receiving medical benefits even after the servicemember's death.
According to Deputy Spokesperson Lalida, 27 military personnel have died while on duty at the Thai-Cambodian border, leaving 40 family members who lost their government healthcare coverage and had to revert to the national health insurance system. The government decided to prioritize appropriate and dignified medical care for these bereaved families.
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has been tasked with implementing the 'Gold Hero' (UC Heroes) certificate program, allowing family members to access national health insurance benefits at the level equivalent to government employee healthcare benefits. The benefits remain in effect until recipients obtain other legal healthcare entitlements, and for the deceased soldier's children, coverage continues until they reach legal adulthood. The NHSO will manage and oversee the program's implementation.
The NHSO estimates an annual budget of 780,040 baht for program operations. For the 2025 fiscal year, funding will be requested from the central budget's emergency reserves, with future years' budgets submitted through the regular annual budget process.
Deputy Spokesperson Lalida emphasized that the government recognizes the supreme sacrifice made by military personnel and government officials who protect national sovereignty and public safety. She stated that caring for the families of the fallen is not merely a welfare benefit but a state responsibility to stand alongside the families of the brave. "Those who sacrificed for the nation should not be remembered only on the day they depart; their families must receive dignified care. This extends security from the frontlines to confidence for the families left behind," Lalida concluded.
