The data relevant to utilization of health care services
were collected in 2000, just prior to the initiation of universal coverage of health care
scheme (UC scheme, popularly referred to as 30-baht scheme) in Thailand. These data
provided the base-line information for evaluation of the UC scheme, and at the same
time they can inform policy-makers and health-care providers in order to improve
health care services for ethnic minorities in the border areas.