Health
Thailand eyes kratom crackdown amid abuse fears
Thailand’s justice minister has vowed to rein in kratom abuse after nationwide reports of users mixing the herbal drink with narcotics. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong said new regulations may soon be introduced to restrict kratom leaf sales, following talks with Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin...
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Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand? Yes, you do get access to some healthcare for free only if you have a …
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Planning to extend your Thai visa? Why health insurance is more important than ever
If you plan to stay longer in Thailand, having health insurance is now more important than ever. Thai immigration often asks for proof of medical coverage when you apply to extend your visa. This applies to many types of visas, like retirement or long-term stay. Choosing a plan from a trusted company like Cigna can …
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5 hospitals in Thailand digital nomads trust most
Thailand is still one of the best places for digital nomads, thanks to its low cost of living, comfortable lifestyle, and good healthcare system. For remote workers living far from home, having access to a trusted hospital is very important. Most digital nomads look for hospitals that meet international standards, have English-speaking staff, and make …
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Mental health meltdown grips Thailand’s pre-seniors
Thailand’s middle-aged adults are facing an emotional breaking point—and it’s worse than any other age group, according to a new health report. A total of 13.4 million people in Thailand are struggling with mental health issues, and those aged 45 to 59—the so-called “pre-senior” generation 98—report being the least happy, according to the Thai Health …
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Thai woman’s ‘fat belly’ was 8kg cyst shock
What looked like a bulging belly from too much food turned out to be an 8-kilogramme tumour—and the woman had no idea. A 31 year old Thai woman named Ratchanaporn from Satun province lived for years with a massive ovarian cyst growing inside her abdomen, completely unaware of its presence. Her family assumed she was …
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Pre-existing conditions? These expat insurance plans still have you covered
Many expats feel worried that their pre-existing health problems will stop them from getting insurance in a new country. This fear is common, especially when medical care can be expensive. But the good news is, some insurance, like the plans you can get from Cigna, understand such anxieties and offer plans that may still cover …
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Thailand’s vape ban gets WHO seal of approval
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has endorsed Thailand’s ongoing prohibition on importing and selling e-cigarettes, while the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) has committed to reducing vaping among young people through a “denormalisation” initiative. WHO Thailand senior public health specialist Dr Olivia Nieveras said that Thailand’s e-cigarette ban aligns with empirical evidence on the harm …
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Asia Pacific’s first LGBTQ+ digital health platform launches in Thailand
As we inch closer towards inclusivity in healthcare, PrideHealth, Asia Pacific’s first LGBTQ+-centric digital health platform, has officially launched in Thailand. PrideHealth is designed to bridge the gap in healthcare access for LGBTQ+ and marginalised individuals, who remain disproportionately underserved in traditional healthcare systems across the region. PrideHealth was founded by medical industry executive Bruce Li …
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Bangkok doctors perform scar-free baby ops
Thai doctors are now performing life-saving surgery on newborns using tools smaller than a pencil tip—without leaving a scar. The Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health has become the first medical centre in Thailand to perform advanced minimally invasive surgery on newborns, according to the Department of Medical Services (DoMS). DoMS Deputy Director-General Thanin …
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What to do if you get injured in Thailand without insurance?
Getting injured in Thailand without insurance can lead to high medical bills and a stressful hospital visit. Private hospitals often ask for a big payment before giving treatment, while public hospitals might delay care if you can’t pay right away. This can cause both money problems and extra paperwork. Having good health insurance can help …
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Why long-term expats in Thailand say insurance is worth every baht
Thailand’s warm weather, low cost of living, and good healthcare attract many long-term expats, including retirees and remote workers. Life here feels easy and affordable, but medical costs can be high if something goes wrong. Private hospitals are popular because they are modern and have English-speaking staff, but treatment can be expensive without insurance. This …
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Chachoengsao family seeks answers after dengue kills girl, 6
A family in Chachoengsao was left grieving and seeking clarity over the death of their six year old daughter from dengue fever. Yesterday, July 21, 31 year old Supattra and 33 year old Somkiat, expressed their heartbreak and dissatisfaction with the hospital’s diagnosis process, which they feel contributed to their daughter’s untimely death due to …
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Zika fear grips Thailand amid rainy season spike
Thailand is on red alert as the Zika virus spreads rapidly through the rainy season, with pregnant women warned they could face devastating consequences if infected. Health officials have sounded the alarm after a spike in cases was reported across three provinces – Bangkok, Phayao, and Maha Sarakham – urging residents to take immediate precautions. …
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Thailand hit by mental health spike and baby bust
Thailand’s facing a double dose of trouble—more people are battling mental health issues than ever before, while fewer babies are being born. Experts say it’s a social time bomb. The newly released Thai Health Report 2025, launched yesterday, July 17, by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and Mahidol University, paints a worrying picture of …
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Thai health officials warn against dangerous kids’ pimple popper toy
The Department of Health (DoH) has initiated a campaign to protect children from dangerous toys, including a new item dubbed the “pimple popper.” The campaign was introduced at the department’s Data Centre with participation from the Royal College of Paediatricians of Thailand, the Child Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Centre, and the Foundation for Consumers. …
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What it’s really like to do IVF in Thailand, according to a fertility doctor
Assisted reproduction is a far more common part of modern motherhood than many people realise. Over 10 million babies have been born through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) across the globe and every year, another half a million join them. But while it’s the most popular and effective assisted reproductive technology (ART), IVF is still seen …
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New in July: Save 10% for life on family health plans in Thailand
Cigna has a special offer this July for families in Thailand. When you sign up three or more people on a family health plan, you will save 10% on your premiums for life. This deal helps you get affordable, high-quality care, including doctor visits, emergency treatment, and access to Thailand’s top private hospitals. If you …
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Solventum celebrates first anniversary in Thailand with launch of two groundbreaking dental innovations
Solventum, a leading global healthcare innovation company, proudly marked its first anniversary of operations in Thailand with the unveiling of two cutting-edge dental products: 3M™ Clinpro™ Clear Fluoride Treatment and 3M™ Filtek™ Easy Match. The launch took place recently at the Thailand Dental Association (TDA) 2025 exhibition at the Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, underscoring …
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Thai clinics exposed in massive gold card fraud scandal
A major healthcare scandal is rocking Thailand as the Ministry of Public Health cracks down on 16 clinics accused of defrauding the country’s universal health scheme out of nearly 30 million baht. Yesterday, July 15, Thanakrit Chitareerat, Secretary to the Minister of Public Health, revealed he had personally inspected several clinics in Sakhon Nakhon’s Song …
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Chiang Mai University warns of deadly brain-eating disease
The Faculty of Medicine at Chiang Mai University warns of the silent threat posed by the brain-eating amoeba found in natural water sources, urging caution even with seemingly clean water. Yesterday, July 15, the official page of the Chiang Mai University Faculty of Medicine published an article highlighting the dangers of Naegleria fowleri, a single-celled …
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Phuket declared nearly rabies-free thanks to Soi Dog
In a remarkable triumph for animal welfare and public health, Phuket has emerged as one of the safest destinations in Southeast Asia for pet-loving tourists, thanks to a relentless campaign that has driven rabies risk down to almost zero. Southeast Asia’s largest dog and cat charity, Soi Dog Foundation, announced this week that the island …
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Ant-agonising: Korea Michelin eatery in a stew over Thai insects
It was hailed as a fine-dining thrill, but a two-star Michelin restaurant in Seoul is now in hot water after its trendy sorbet—topped with ants imported from Thailand and the United States—triggered a food safety scandal. South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has referred the owner of the high-end restaurant in Gangnam district …
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NHSO to hire 18,000 caregivers for dependent patients in Thailand
Thailand is set to unleash an 18,000-strong battalion of caregivers to rescue frail pensioners and dependent patients nationwide, in a record-breaking health push fuelled by a multi-billion baht stimulus plan. The board of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) has approved the recruitment of 18,000 caregivers to support more than 100,000 dependent people across the …
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Transgender Thais win free hormone therapy in gold card revolution
Thailand’s Board of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) has approved a sweeping plan to make hormone therapy for gender affirmation an official health benefit under the country’s Universal Health Coverage, known as the Gold Card system. The move, green-lit with a budget exceeding 145 million baht for fiscal year 2025, aims to promote equality …
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Thailand launches first local cancer therapy pill
Thailand has introduced its first domestically created targeted therapy pill for cancer treatment, named Imcranib 100. This development is attributed to the scientific vision and leadership of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana. Targeted therapy represents a modern approach to cancer treatment, concentrating on attacking specific cancer cells while preserving healthy cells. This …
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Melioidosis kills 72: Thai health ministry issues urgent warning
The Ministry of Public Health has issued a warning about the melioidosis disease, which has resulted in 72 deaths and 1,676 infections. The disease can be contracted through contact with contaminated soil or water, or even by inhaling contaminated dust. It is advised to avoid wading through water or mud and to consume only cooked …
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Activist calls for sex ban to those under-22 to curb HIV crisis in Thailand
A political activist urged the government to introduce legislation banning people under the age of 22 from having sex, in an effort to reduce the number of HIV cases in Thailand. During a parliamentary session, Deputy Minister of Public Health Chaichana Daecho admitted that HIV infection rates among young people had increased. He emphasised that …
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Digital nomading in Chiang Mai? What US$1,000 a month really gets you
Chiang Mai has become a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low living costs, rich culture, and active remote work community. The city offers affordable housing, tasty food, reliable internet, and many co-working spaces, making it a great place for a comfortable yet budget-friendly lifestyle. For around US$1,000 a month, digital nomads can …
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Rabies deaths in Thailand triple with dogs as primary source
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) reported a threefold increase in rabies-related deaths in Thailand this year. Of these cases, 90% were contracted from dogs and 10% from cats. Yesterday, July 7, Dr Phanumart Yanawetaskul, Director General of the Department of Disease Control, announced that seven fatalities have occurred in Chon Buri, Sisaket, Chachoengsao, Nakhon …
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FDA plans new standards for bottled water
The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plans to propose a draft announcement to the health minister to raise the quality standards of bottled water and ice to international levels. Doctor Surachoke Tangwiwat, Secretary General of the FDA, said the proposal aims to benefit manufacturers, consumers, and the environment. A recent meeting was held to …
