Doctor Alleges Undocumented Migrants Exploit Thailand's Free Healthcare
A doctor on Facebook alleges undocumented Myanmar migrants exploit Thailand's free healthcare and education, citing cases of untreated children, blood shortages, and neonatal ICU strain that disadvantage Thai
A doctor vents deep frustration on the Facebook page "Learn Medicine by Doctor Kaeo Doctor Naet" about undocumented migrants sneaking into Thailand to exploit free healthcare rights, sometimes depriving Thai citizens of timely treatment. The doctor recounts a case of a Myanmar mother and child who fled into Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic. The child, born six years ago with a bone deformity, was left untreated for years. The mother gave evasive answers when questioned about the delay. The doctor discovered the family had entered illegally during COVID, subsequently obtained identification cards, enrolled the child in free Thai schools, and only sought medical care after securing free healthcare eligibility. The doctor notes these migrants access both education and healthcare on par with Thai nationals despite not being born in Thailand, and alleges the system is easily manipulated. The doctor calls for stricter government control, citing massive budget leakage. The post details further examples: Myanmar migrants consuming large blood supplies for alcohol-related emergencies, causing shortages for Thai patients; pregnant Myanmar women skipping prenatal care until delivery, occupying neonatal ICU beds and forcing Thai infants to be transferred elsewhere; and some mothers abandoning newborns. The doctor emphasizes equal treatment for all patients but expresses sorrow for Thai citizens who bear the burden of a strained system.
