The provision of healthcare financing and healthcare services of the government, as stated in February 2001, can be summarized as follows:
• All Thai residents are entitled to accessible and equitable health services.
• The policy aims to reduce national health expenditure and household expenditure by establishment of a collective tax-based financing system and paying providers according to the number of registered population under a new health scheme for people outside formal employment. Under this scheme, households pay only a nominal contribution of 30 baht per visit to a medical service.
• The 30 baht Scheme will provide the choice for people to register with a health care provider from either public or private sector.
• The government will guarantee a quality of health services which can be accessible geographically.
• The government intends to reform the health financing system by establishing the National Health Security Fund through legislation. The Fund is expected to harmonize benefits, costs and management between several existing schemes that will lead to an equitable healthcare system.