Pheu Thai Denies Plans to Scrap 30-Baht Health Scheme

Pheu Thai party leader Natthapon Rueangpanya issued a statement on July 26 via Facebook clarifying that rumors of the party planning to scrap the 30-baht healthcare program are false. He emphasized that Pheu Thai has no intention of eliminating the 30-baht scheme or the universal health insurance system, which guarantees broad access to public health services for all citizens regardless of income.

Natthapon described the gold card system as crucial for public health, enabling all Thais to access comprehensive healthcare regardless of their financial status. He acknowledged that while the system is internationally recognized as a success of Thai public health, all stakeholders currently agree it faces multiple challenges that must be addressed now to prevent long-term damage to healthcare providers like hospitals and medical staff, as well as to patients.

The Pheu Thai leader stated that the party supports amending the National Health Security Act to ensure the system is sustainable and maximally efficient without reducing public benefits or increasing patient burden. He reaffirmed that Pheu Thai will not support any law that diminishes public health rights or places greater financial strain on people seeking healthcare. The party will review all proposals, including the government's draft bill, before making a final decision and expressed readiness to work with all stakeholders to reform the universal health insurance system in the best interest of the public.