As a member state of the Global Forum on Migration and Development and the current Chair of the Human Security Network, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) organized a Regional Workshop on Migrants’ Health on 27 - 28 August 2015, at The Sukosol Hotel, Bangkok and Samut Sakhon Hospital, Thailand. The workshop was attended by 23 countries from Asia, Europe, America, and Australia, including development providing agencies and civil society. 

The workshop aimed to examine trends and challenges of migrants’ health provision at the global and regional levels, and also to provide a forum for the exchange of experiences and good practices among participating countries, with a view to exploring ways to strengthen access to and financing mechanisms to ensure sustainable and inclusive health services for migrants.

The first day of the workshop was a full-day meeting with expert panel and group discussions. The workshop began with introductory remarks by Mrs. Kanchana Patarachoke, Deputy Director General, Department of International Organization, and was officially opened by Mr. Piriya Khempon, Deputy permanent Secretary and Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.  Dr. Suriya Wongkongkathep, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health of Thailand delivered a keynote speech on “Investing in Health of Migrants: Benefits of an Inclusive Health System.” Participants also heard from Mr. Promboon Panitchpakdi, Raks Thai Foundation about the role of civil society in filling the gaps in migration health service, and Ms. Mon Mon, a migrant worker in Thailand shared her experiences with Thai health care system.  Two panel discussions were held on the topics of “Challenges in Improving Migrants’ Health at the Global and Regional Levels”  and “Policy Design and Practices on Migrant’s Health.”
   
For the second day of the workshop, participants visited Samut Sakhon Hospital where they had the opportunity to learn about the hospital’s operation and management system. Participants also toured the hospital and observed the clinic for migrant workers.

Thailand will report the result of the workshop to the upcoming 8th GFMD Summit to be held during 14 -16 October in Turkey and other international fora.