On 8 December 2023, H.E. Mr. Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, gave welcoming remarks at the International Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day 2023 (which falls on 12 December of each year) entitled “Health for All: Time for Action”, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

The event was co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Health, and the National Health Security Office (NHSO) and attended by over 150 participants from the Diplomatic Community, international organisations, relevant government agencies, and civil societies.

DPM/FM reiterated Thailand’s unwavering commitment to implement the 2023 UNGA political declaration on UHC to further improve the health and well-being of the people, including through the implementation of “30-baht plus” policy. This will be undertaken with a particular focus on using technology and innovations to upgrade UHC at the national and local levels, improving mechanisms for health promotion and disease prevention as well as palliative care, and reaching the target of a health impoverishment rate below 0.25% of the Thai population by 2027.

As the next Chair of the Foreign Policy and Global Health (FPGH) Initiative and a candidate for the Human Rights Council for the term 2025-2027, Thailand will continue to advocate for the promotion and protection of human rights, which include the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

The event this year also featured a diplomatic study trip at Weluwanaram Temple, Don Mueang District, Bangkok, focusing on demonstrating Thailand’s proactive approach to UHC at the community level, based on cross-sectoral collaboration. Such an approach aims to reduce health inequity and health care expenses, increase access to essential and quality health services including those related to health promotion and disease prevention in communities.