The OIC - TDRI is moving forward to study and prepare a strategic plan for voluntary health insurance in Thailand, aiming to create a strong health insurance system that people of all income groups can access. They are working on short-term and long-term action plans, along with integration with the state welfare system to be in line with the national strategic plan. They have also appointed a working group to develop and integrate Thailand's health insurance system sustainably.

Mr. Chuchart Pramulpol, Secretary-General of the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC Secretary-General), revealed that Thailand's current health system has many important mechanisms that work together, including the universal health coverage system, the social security system, civil servant medical benefits, and private health insurance. Although the overall Thai health system is comprehensive and of high quality, there are still gaps in access for low-income groups. Especially in the private health insurance sector, where premiums tend to increase.

Therefore, to reduce inequality and improve accessibility for low-income groups, the OIC has collaborated with the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) to conduct a research project to develop a strategic plan for voluntary health insurance (PVHI) in Thailand. The main objectives are as follows: 1. To define the landscape of voluntary health insurance in Thailand. 2. To develop a short-term strategic plan for voluntary health insurance of 1-3 years to be used to determine guidelines for promoting and developing the insurance business, along with creating an action plan. 3. To develop a long-term strategic plan for voluntary health insurance of 5-10 years and serve as a roadmap to improve and integrate the voluntary health insurance system together with government welfare, which is consistent with the national strategic plan or the OIC plan, to promote and develop the insurance business to be efficient and meet the needs of the people, and 4. To publicize and communicate the strategic plan. Voluntary health insurance for the public and other relevant agencies

In this regard, the OIC has appointed a working group to develop and integrate the health insurance system of Thailand, consisting of representatives from many important agencies from both the public and private sectors, including the Ministry of Public Health, Department of Health Service Support, Department of Internal Trade, Comptroller General's Department, Social Security Office, National Health Security Office, Office of the Consumer Protection Board, Private Hospital Association, Thai Life Assurance Association, and Thai General Insurance Association, to jointly provide opinions and provide recommendations for effective and tangible operations. On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the working group's first meeting of 2025 was chaired by the OIC Secretary-General. The meeting exchanged views and listened to suggestions from representatives of various agencies in a constructive manner that was very beneficial to the preparation of this strategic plan.

"The project to develop a strategic plan for voluntary health insurance in Thailand is an important step in upgrading Thailand's private health insurance system to be fair, accessible, and effective, which will better meet the needs of the people in the future," said the OIC Secretary-General

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