The Ministry of Public Health in Thailand marked a significant milestone on October 13, 2025, by signing a sweeping Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with 43 to 44 private hospitals. This ambitious agreement is designed to enhance cooperation between public and private healthcare providers, aiming to boost the quality and accessibility of health services for millions across the country. The move continues a long-standing tradition of collaboration, first established in 1997, and underscores the government’s commitment to integrating resources for the benefit of the wider population.
According to both Hfocus and official statements from the Ministry, the new MOU seeks to cover between 50 and 60 percent of the population in the designated service areas. This is no small feat, given Thailand’s diverse geography and healthcare needs. The agreement, signed in a ceremony attended by high-ranking health officials and representatives from the private sector, is the latest chapter in a series of MOUs inked in 1997, 2007, and 2017. Each iteration has aimed to strengthen the partnership between public health authorities and private hospitals, with the ultimate goal of improving healthcare outcomes nationwide.
Dr. Korakrit Limsmut, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support (DHS), emphasized the importance of this partnership in tackling longstanding challenges in the Thai healthcare system. "Errors in patient safety management have long been a significant issue, impacting not only the physical and mental well-being of both providers and patients but also resulting in economic losses for the country," Dr. Korakrit stated, as reported by Hfocus. He cited World Health Organization data, noting that each year, between 4 and 16 percent of patients globally experience complications, injuries, or even death due to lapses in healthcare service standards or subpar medical facilities and equipment.
The new MOU is part of a broader strategy to close these gaps. By leveraging the strengths of both public and private sectors, the Ministry hopes to ensure that more Thais have access to high-quality, reliable care—regardless of where they live. The agreement outlines specific areas of cooperation, including sharing medical expertise, coordinating emergency services, and streamlining patient referrals between facilities. Crucially, it also sets benchmarks for quality assurance and patient safety, drawing on both domestic standards and international best practices.
But the MOU is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Recognizing that robust standards are the backbone of any effective healthcare system, the Ministry has also rolled out an updated Health Service System Standards (HS4) manual for public hospitals. This guide, developed with input from experts, academics, and professionals from both the public and private sectors, provides a framework for hospitals to assess and improve their operations. The aim is to foster a culture of continuous quality improvement, with a strong focus on patient safety and consumer protection.
"We hope this manual will help raise the standards of healthcare facilities, leading to sustainable improvements in both health services and public health," Dr. Korakrit explained. He added that the initiative aligns with the government's broader strategic plan to position Thailand as a leader in the health economy, particularly in the burgeoning fields of comprehensive medical services and health tourism. The manual is available online through the Department of Health Service Support’s website, making it accessible to healthcare providers nationwide.
The renewed push for public-private collaboration comes at a critical juncture for Thailand’s healthcare system. As the country grapples with an aging population, rising rates of chronic disease, and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a growing recognition that no single sector can meet all the nation’s health needs alone. By pooling resources and expertise, the Ministry hopes to build a more resilient system—one capable of responding to both everyday demands and unexpected crises.
Of course, the path forward is not without its challenges. Some observers have raised questions about the transparency and oversight of such large-scale agreements. According to coverage in Matichon, there are concerns about whether the public fully understands the contents and implications of these MOUs. Senator Pisit Apiwatthanaphong, a member of the Thai Senate, has voiced support for public referendums on major policy decisions, emphasizing the need for clear and comprehensive information. "People should make decisions based on a thorough understanding, not just confusion or lack of knowledge," he remarked. Senator Pisit also noted that while the 1997 constitution did not require parliamentary approval for international agreements, subsequent constitutions in 2007 and 2017 introduced stricter oversight, suggesting that such MOUs should be subject to legislative scrutiny.
Despite these debates, the Ministry insists that the new agreement is both legal and necessary. Officials argue that the proliferation of information through mainstream media and social influencers has made it easier than ever for the public to stay informed about healthcare policy. They also stress that security concerns are always taken into account, particularly when it comes to sensitive information about hospital operations and patient data.
The practical benefits of the new MOU are already being felt, especially in rural areas where access to specialized care can be limited. By coordinating services and sharing resources, the Ministry and its private partners aim to reduce the burden on patients—many of whom must travel long distances and incur significant expenses to seek treatment. Senator Pisit, for one, supports the idea of holding elections and referendums on the same day to minimize inconvenience, especially for those in remote communities. "If we can complete every process in a single day, it would be the best outcome for the public," he said.
Looking ahead, the Ministry is optimistic that this renewed commitment to cooperation will yield tangible improvements in both the quality and reach of healthcare services. By setting clear standards, fostering transparency, and engaging a broad coalition of stakeholders, Thailand is laying the groundwork for a healthier, more equitable future. As Dr. Korakrit concluded, "We hope this manual will help promote good standards in healthcare facilities, leading to sustainable development in health services and public health, consistent with the strategic plans of the Ministry of Public Health."
For millions of Thais, these changes may soon translate into a healthcare system that is not only more accessible but also more trustworthy and responsive to their needs.
