Thailand's NHSO Confirms Stability of Hospital Funding

Post by : Shakul

In a bid to quell rising concerns over delayed hospital payments, the Thai government has reiterated that the payment process under the nation’s universal healthcare system remains robust and transparent. On May 8, 2026, Deputy Government Spokesperson Ms. Ploytale Laksmisangchan clarified that the National Health Security Office (NHSO) is consistently processing healthcare funds as per established schedules and service regulations.

This statement follows online rumors suggesting hospitals operating within the universal healthcare or “gold card” scheme were reportedly compelled to front treatment costs, subsequently requesting reimbursement from the NHSO, leading to financial strain and partial payments. The NHSO responded by highlighting a structured payment system consisting of various models tailored to different health service types. They assured that these payments adhere to clear guidelines and rigorous verification practices.

For outpatient services and health promotion initiatives, funding is allocated under a capita payment model termed OP-PP Cap. Conversely, inpatient and specialized medical services receive reimbursements based on data from healthcare providers, facilitated through the OP-IP Fee Schedule. NHSO officials confirmed a thorough verification process is in place before any transfers are executed.

Data from the government indicates that Bangna 1 Hospital has received approximately 52.85 million baht from the NHSO throughout fiscal years 2025 and 2026 up to May 6, 2026. This includes 13.59 million baht in fiscal 2025 and a subsequent 39.26 million baht in fiscal 2026, covering a range of medical services, including outpatient care, inpatient treatment, renal therapy, and preventive health programs.

Similarly, Mitpracha Hospital has benefited significantly, receiving 164.15 million baht during the same fiscal years. This encompasses 66.96 million baht for fiscal 2025 and 97.19 million baht for fiscal 2026, financing both outpatient and inpatient services, health promotion programs, and specialized treatment initiatives.

Ms. Ploytale emphasized that the NHSO has collectively transferred more than 217 million baht to the two hospitals. She clarified that the payment schedule operates seamlessly with multiple cycles monthly, dictated by service categories and data verification timelines. The government asserts that these payments have neither been halted nor significantly delayed, counteracting claims circulating on social media.

To safeguard patient access to healthcare, the government is implementing measures as Bangna 1 and Mitpracha Hospitals transition away from their roles as primary healthcare units effective June 1, 2026. A strategic plan is in place to ensure that patient healthcare rights are smoothly transferred to neighboring facilities.

For the 18,831 patients currently registered with Mitpracha Hospital, healthcare rights will transition to Phramongkol Thepmuni Hospital. Meanwhile, Rajpipat Hospital will act as the referral facility for specialized treatment. Similarly, the 22,365 registered patients at Bangna 1 Hospital will see their healthcare rights moved to Kluaynamthai 3 Hospital, fully equipped to handle primary care and ongoing medical needs.

The government remains committed to collaborating with all relevant agencies to ensure that healthcare services remain uninterrupted during this transition. Officials are keen to reassure the public that ongoing treatments will not be affected and that the healthcare rights transfer process is designed to uphold public trust in Thailand’s universal healthcare framework.

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