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Publications of the Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies

Health Systems in Transition (Hit) Reviews

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Health System in Transition (HiT) reviews provide comprehensive analyses of health systems across countries in the Asia Pacific region. Developed through collaboration between policymakers and researchers, HiTs examine governance, financing, service delivery, health workforce and system performance to support evidence-informed reform and cross-country learning.

Thailand Health System in Transition Review (HiT). Second edition

28 May 2024
 | Publication
Thailand Health System in Transition Review (HiT). Second edition
Download (4.7 MB)

Overview

This is the second edition of Thailand’s health system review (HiT), updating the old one that was published in 2015. Since then the country has witnessed limited health sector reforms. Noteworthy developments include the devolution of subdistrict health centres from the MoPH to locally elected governments at the provincial level. The impact of this ongoing transition, launched in 2022, awaits further evidence of its positive or negative effects on population access to services. Other incremental reforms include the NHSO’s expansion of the benefit package, guided by evidence of cost–effectiveness, long-term budget sustainability, and health system capacity.

The COVID-19 pandemic, prompted substantial resource consumption, notably through domestic loans, especially during the peak of the Delta strain in the third quarter of 2021. Innovative adaptations, though not major health reforms, emerged to alleviate overcrowding in hospital-based outpatient services. Telemedicine, teleconsultation, and medication dispatch via post were among the strategies employed

Prevalence of NCDs remains a significant challenge, with NCDs contributing to a majority of deaths and DALYs. The country faces specific challenges in road injuries, stroke, and ischaemic heart disease compared to nations with a similar sociodemographic index. Addressing the commercial determinants of NCDs, such as tobacco and alcohol, requires robust implementation of WHO-recommended interventions, necessitating collaboration between government entities, including the MoPH and the Excise Department.

Additionally, challenges persist in promoting exclusive breastfeeding, tackling childhood malnutrition, and ensuring optimal early childhood development. Exclusive breastfeeding rates in Thailand fluctuated from 12.3% (2012) to 23.1% (2015) but fell to 14% in 2019. Thailand’s 2019 Multi-Indicator Cluster Survey revealed disparities in child nutrition: 13% stunting, 8% wasting, and 8% overweight, with regional variations and maternal education.

Finally, the threat of antimicrobial resistance, the need for rehabilitation care for the ageing population, and the evolving landscape of chronic health conditions pose ongoing challenges that demand focused research and policy attention.

How to Cite this publication

Tangcharoensathien V . editor. Thailand health system review. Manila: World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific; 2024.

WHO Team
Asia Pacific Observatory, WHO Western Pacific
Editors
Dr Viroj Tangcharoensathien
Number of pages
326
Reference numbers
ISBN: 978-92-9-062045-7
Copyright
CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO

Policy briefs

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APO policy briefs provide concise, evidence-informed analyses on priority health systems issues affecting countries across the Asia Pacific region. Designed for policymakers and stakeholders, they synthesize key findings, emerging trends and actionable policy considerations to support informed decision-making.

Thailand Health System in Transition Review (HiT). Second edition

28 May 2024
 | Publication
Thailand Health System in Transition Review (HiT). Second edition
Download (4.7 MB)

Overview

This is the second edition of Thailand’s health system review (HiT), updating the old one that was published in 2015. Since then the country has witnessed limited health sector reforms. Noteworthy developments include the devolution of subdistrict health centres from the MoPH to locally elected governments at the provincial level. The impact of this ongoing transition, launched in 2022, awaits further evidence of its positive or negative effects on population access to services. Other incremental reforms include the NHSO’s expansion of the benefit package, guided by evidence of cost–effectiveness, long-term budget sustainability, and health system capacity.

The COVID-19 pandemic, prompted substantial resource consumption, notably through domestic loans, especially during the peak of the Delta strain in the third quarter of 2021. Innovative adaptations, though not major health reforms, emerged to alleviate overcrowding in hospital-based outpatient services. Telemedicine, teleconsultation, and medication dispatch via post were among the strategies employed

Prevalence of NCDs remains a significant challenge, with NCDs contributing to a majority of deaths and DALYs. The country faces specific challenges in road injuries, stroke, and ischaemic heart disease compared to nations with a similar sociodemographic index. Addressing the commercial determinants of NCDs, such as tobacco and alcohol, requires robust implementation of WHO-recommended interventions, necessitating collaboration between government entities, including the MoPH and the Excise Department.

Additionally, challenges persist in promoting exclusive breastfeeding, tackling childhood malnutrition, and ensuring optimal early childhood development. Exclusive breastfeeding rates in Thailand fluctuated from 12.3% (2012) to 23.1% (2015) but fell to 14% in 2019. Thailand’s 2019 Multi-Indicator Cluster Survey revealed disparities in child nutrition: 13% stunting, 8% wasting, and 8% overweight, with regional variations and maternal education.

Finally, the threat of antimicrobial resistance, the need for rehabilitation care for the ageing population, and the evolving landscape of chronic health conditions pose ongoing challenges that demand focused research and policy attention.

How to Cite this publication

Tangcharoensathien V . editor. Thailand health system review. Manila: World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific; 2024.

WHO Team
Asia Pacific Observatory, WHO Western Pacific
Editors
Dr Viroj Tangcharoensathien
Number of pages
326
Reference numbers
ISBN: 978-92-9-062045-7
Copyright
CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO

Comparative country studies

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Comparative country studies examine shared health systems challenges and policy responses across multiple countries. By analysing experiences across contexts, these studies support regional learning and help identify effective approaches to strengthening health systems.

Thailand Health System in Transition Review (HiT). Second edition

28 May 2024
 | Publication
Thailand Health System in Transition Review (HiT). Second edition
Download (4.7 MB)

Overview

This is the second edition of Thailand’s health system review (HiT), updating the old one that was published in 2015. Since then the country has witnessed limited health sector reforms. Noteworthy developments include the devolution of subdistrict health centres from the MoPH to locally elected governments at the provincial level. The impact of this ongoing transition, launched in 2022, awaits further evidence of its positive or negative effects on population access to services. Other incremental reforms include the NHSO’s expansion of the benefit package, guided by evidence of cost–effectiveness, long-term budget sustainability, and health system capacity.

The COVID-19 pandemic, prompted substantial resource consumption, notably through domestic loans, especially during the peak of the Delta strain in the third quarter of 2021. Innovative adaptations, though not major health reforms, emerged to alleviate overcrowding in hospital-based outpatient services. Telemedicine, teleconsultation, and medication dispatch via post were among the strategies employed

Prevalence of NCDs remains a significant challenge, with NCDs contributing to a majority of deaths and DALYs. The country faces specific challenges in road injuries, stroke, and ischaemic heart disease compared to nations with a similar sociodemographic index. Addressing the commercial determinants of NCDs, such as tobacco and alcohol, requires robust implementation of WHO-recommended interventions, necessitating collaboration between government entities, including the MoPH and the Excise Department.

Additionally, challenges persist in promoting exclusive breastfeeding, tackling childhood malnutrition, and ensuring optimal early childhood development. Exclusive breastfeeding rates in Thailand fluctuated from 12.3% (2012) to 23.1% (2015) but fell to 14% in 2019. Thailand’s 2019 Multi-Indicator Cluster Survey revealed disparities in child nutrition: 13% stunting, 8% wasting, and 8% overweight, with regional variations and maternal education.

Finally, the threat of antimicrobial resistance, the need for rehabilitation care for the ageing population, and the evolving landscape of chronic health conditions pose ongoing challenges that demand focused research and policy attention.

How to Cite this publication

Tangcharoensathien V . editor. Thailand health system review. Manila: World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific; 2024.

WHO Team
Asia Pacific Observatory, WHO Western Pacific
Editors
Dr Viroj Tangcharoensathien
Number of pages
326
Reference numbers
ISBN: 978-92-9-062045-7
Copyright
CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO

COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor

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HiT policy notes provide concise analyses and updates based on findings from Health Systems in Transition reviews. They highlight key policy insights, emerging issues and reform considerations relevant to policymakers and health systems stakeholders.

Thailand Health System in Transition Review (HiT). Second edition

28 May 2024
 | Publication
Thailand Health System in Transition Review (HiT). Second edition
Download (4.7 MB)

Overview

This is the second edition of Thailand’s health system review (HiT), updating the old one that was published in 2015. Since then the country has witnessed limited health sector reforms. Noteworthy developments include the devolution of subdistrict health centres from the MoPH to locally elected governments at the provincial level. The impact of this ongoing transition, launched in 2022, awaits further evidence of its positive or negative effects on population access to services. Other incremental reforms include the NHSO’s expansion of the benefit package, guided by evidence of cost–effectiveness, long-term budget sustainability, and health system capacity.

The COVID-19 pandemic, prompted substantial resource consumption, notably through domestic loans, especially during the peak of the Delta strain in the third quarter of 2021. Innovative adaptations, though not major health reforms, emerged to alleviate overcrowding in hospital-based outpatient services. Telemedicine, teleconsultation, and medication dispatch via post were among the strategies employed

Prevalence of NCDs remains a significant challenge, with NCDs contributing to a majority of deaths and DALYs. The country faces specific challenges in road injuries, stroke, and ischaemic heart disease compared to nations with a similar sociodemographic index. Addressing the commercial determinants of NCDs, such as tobacco and alcohol, requires robust implementation of WHO-recommended interventions, necessitating collaboration between government entities, including the MoPH and the Excise Department.

Additionally, challenges persist in promoting exclusive breastfeeding, tackling childhood malnutrition, and ensuring optimal early childhood development. Exclusive breastfeeding rates in Thailand fluctuated from 12.3% (2012) to 23.1% (2015) but fell to 14% in 2019. Thailand’s 2019 Multi-Indicator Cluster Survey revealed disparities in child nutrition: 13% stunting, 8% wasting, and 8% overweight, with regional variations and maternal education.

Finally, the threat of antimicrobial resistance, the need for rehabilitation care for the ageing population, and the evolving landscape of chronic health conditions pose ongoing challenges that demand focused research and policy attention.

How to Cite this publication

Tangcharoensathien V . editor. Thailand health system review. Manila: World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific; 2024.

WHO Team
Asia Pacific Observatory, WHO Western Pacific
Editors
Dr Viroj Tangcharoensathien
Number of pages
326
Reference numbers
ISBN: 978-92-9-062045-7
Copyright
CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO

HiT policy notes

All →

HiT policy notes provide concise analyses and updates based on findings from Health Systems in Transition reviews. They highlight key policy insights, emerging issues and reform considerations relevant to policymakers and health systems stakeholders.

Thailand Health System in Transition Review (HiT). Second edition

28 May 2024
 | Publication
Thailand Health System in Transition Review (HiT). Second edition
Download (4.7 MB)

Overview

This is the second edition of Thailand’s health system review (HiT), updating the old one that was published in 2015. Since then the country has witnessed limited health sector reforms. Noteworthy developments include the devolution of subdistrict health centres from the MoPH to locally elected governments at the provincial level. The impact of this ongoing transition, launched in 2022, awaits further evidence of its positive or negative effects on population access to services. Other incremental reforms include the NHSO’s expansion of the benefit package, guided by evidence of cost–effectiveness, long-term budget sustainability, and health system capacity.

The COVID-19 pandemic, prompted substantial resource consumption, notably through domestic loans, especially during the peak of the Delta strain in the third quarter of 2021. Innovative adaptations, though not major health reforms, emerged to alleviate overcrowding in hospital-based outpatient services. Telemedicine, teleconsultation, and medication dispatch via post were among the strategies employed

Prevalence of NCDs remains a significant challenge, with NCDs contributing to a majority of deaths and DALYs. The country faces specific challenges in road injuries, stroke, and ischaemic heart disease compared to nations with a similar sociodemographic index. Addressing the commercial determinants of NCDs, such as tobacco and alcohol, requires robust implementation of WHO-recommended interventions, necessitating collaboration between government entities, including the MoPH and the Excise Department.

Additionally, challenges persist in promoting exclusive breastfeeding, tackling childhood malnutrition, and ensuring optimal early childhood development. Exclusive breastfeeding rates in Thailand fluctuated from 12.3% (2012) to 23.1% (2015) but fell to 14% in 2019. Thailand’s 2019 Multi-Indicator Cluster Survey revealed disparities in child nutrition: 13% stunting, 8% wasting, and 8% overweight, with regional variations and maternal education.

Finally, the threat of antimicrobial resistance, the need for rehabilitation care for the ageing population, and the evolving landscape of chronic health conditions pose ongoing challenges that demand focused research and policy attention.

How to Cite this publication

Tangcharoensathien V . editor. Thailand health system review. Manila: World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific; 2024.

WHO Team
Asia Pacific Observatory, WHO Western Pacific
Editors
Dr Viroj Tangcharoensathien
Number of pages
326
Reference numbers
ISBN: 978-92-9-062045-7
Copyright
CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO