Bangkok: The National Health Security Office (NHSO) board has approved flexible service guidelines for patients residing along the Thai-Cambodian border and those impacted by floods in the northern region of Thailand. This decision aims to ensure comprehensive and continuous access to healthcare services for nearly ten thousand affected individuals.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health and Chairman of the NHSO Board, announced the board’s decision following its 8/2025 meeting. The board has adapted the “Guidelines for Receiving Services and Supporting Public Health Fees under the Gold Card System” to address the healthcare needs amid unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border and flooding in the north. These adjustments will cater especially to patients with chronic kidney disease and dependent conditions who require immediate medical attention.
The NHSO Board emphasizes the importance of providing care to all Thai citizens during emergencies. Patients holding the National Health Security (30-baht Gold Card) can access services at alternative units if their regular facility is unavailable. Special measures have also been introduced to support chronic kidney disease patients needing peritoneal dialysis. The NHSO Regional Offices will coordinate with Thailand Post to enhance the delivery of necessary medical supplies.
Dr. Jadet Thammathatcharee, Secretary-General of the NHSO Board, elaborated on the guidelines, which allow gold card holders to seek treatment at other service units if their usual facility is closed or evacuated. These units will be reimbursed for services provided. Additionally, service units have the discretion to adjust medication dosages as needed.
For specific patient groups requiring dialysis, the NHSO has approved increasing service capacities in designated safe areas. Dependents on the Gold Card scheme can seek help from alternative service units, with expenses covered by the office as per established criteria. Local administrative organizations (LAOs) are authorized to support emergency-related projects and activities, including transportation for disabled individuals.
The NHSO Board has also addressed verification procedures for service units, ensuring convenience for recipients and allowing for case-by-case reporting of any hindrances. Coordination is facilitated through the NHSO district office or local administrative organizations.
In the northern region, Area 1, chronic kidney disease patients affected by floods include 305 in Nan Province, 161 in Phayao Province, 203 in Phrae Province, and 253 in Chiang Rai Province. Local administrative organizations are managing dependents, thus minimizing impact.
In the Thai-Cambodian border region, since unrest began on July 24, 2015, Region 6 reports 273 affected patients. Sa Kaeo Province has 63 affected chronic kidney disease patients and 16 dependents, Chanthaburi Province has 76 affected patients and 47 dependents, and Trat Province has 17 affected patients and 54 dependents.
Region 9, Nakhon Ratchasima, reports 7,643 affected patients. Surin Province has 478 chronic kidney disease patients and 4,968 dependents, Buriram Province has 133 chronic kidney disease patients and 2,064 dependents. Region 10, Ubon Ratchathani, reports 52 chronic kidney disease patients and 49 dependents, while Sisaket Province reports 62 chronic kidney disease patients and 118 dependents.