Ministry ramps up zero dropout policy

Parents brought their children to the Equitable Education Fund's 'Mobile School' Open House at the Klong Toey slum community in Bangkok in July last year. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)
Parents visited the Equitable Education Fund’s” Mobile School” Open House at the Klong Toey tenement group in Bangkok in July of last year. ( Photo: Apichart Jinakul )

As the Education Ministry intensifies efforts to get as many students as possible back into college next year under the president’s Thailand Zero Dropout Policy, more than 360, 000 kids have been brought up to schools.

A study by the Ministry found that a total of 1, 025, 514 toddlers aged 3-18 dropped away in 2024. Of them, 767, 304 were Thai babies, and the rest were the children of international citizens.

Of the Thai babies, 365, 231 or 47.6 % were brought back to school, while the rest are also excluded from the country’s compulsory education system. For foreign children, 31, 816 or 12.32 % returned to school.

Addressing the issue of university dropouts is a part of the president’s” Thai Zero Dropout Campaign,” according to Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob.

He claimed that the government has developed programs to deliver formal, informal, and non-formal education that are customized to each child’s needs and ability in order to return dropouts to school.

” We will guarantee all Thai kids receive forced training”, Pol Gen Permpoon said.

Other than the institutions under the Education Ministry, Niyom Phaisopha, chairman of the Bureau of Basic Education Policy and Planning, said that other institutions are supervised by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration or are secret schools.

Additionally, Mr. Niyom added that Obec did take their education straight to their residences if school students want to continue their education but are unable to do so for any purpose.

” Flexible courses will become designed to suit their requirements,” he said.

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Thailand’s Education Ministry ramps up zero dropout policy

Parents brought their children to the Equitable Education Fund's 'Mobile School' Open House at the Klong Toey slum community in Bangkok in July last year. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)
Parents visited the Equitable Education Fund’s” Mobile School” Open House at the Klong Toey tenement group in Bangkok in July of last year. ( Photo: Apichart Jinakul )

As part of the president’s Thailand Zero Dropout Policy, the Education Ministry is working harder to get as many students as possible back into the classrooms next month. More than 360, 000 students have been returned to schools.

A study by the Ministry found that a total of 1, 025, 514 toddlers aged 3-18 dropped away in 2024. Of them, 767, 304 were Thai babies, and the rest were the children of unusual citizens.

Of the Thai kids, 365, 231 or 47.6 % were brought back to school, while the rest are also excluded from the country’s compulsory education system. For foreign children, 31, 816 or 12.32 % returned to school.

Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob stated that the administration’s Thai Zero Dropout strategy aims to promote education equality by addressing the issue of school dropouts.

He claimed that the ministry has developed programs to return dropouts to school that are conventional, non-formal, and casual.

” We will guarantee all Thai kids receive forced knowledge”, Pol Gen Permpoon said.

Other than the schools under the Ministry of Education, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration supervises or is the basic education policy and planning bureau under the Office of the Basic Education Commission ( OBE ).

Additionally, Mr. Niyom asserted that Obec may transfer their schooling directly to their homes if school students want to continue their education but are unable to do so for any purpose.

” Flexible courses will become designed to suit their requirements,” he said.

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Thailand’s new defence minister offers self-critique

Thailand's Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai
Thailand’s Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai

Phumtham Wechayachai, the minister of defense, stated that he is doing his best to oversee the agency’s politics, but that he needs to be more effective because a number of pressing issues are still unanswered.

In an effort to avert upcoming military dictatorships, he added that he saw no point in pushing for constitutional changes.

Rating his achievement directing the government since his stay began on Sept 3, Mr Phumtham, who is also a deputy prime minister, said on Tuesday there have been certain deficiencies.

He claimed that some of the issues he had certainly resolved haven’t been resolved in the expected way.

” But we have to start someplace and deal with the problems based on our understanding”, Mr Phumtham said.

He claimed that his perception of the war has changed since he was a student in college.

” Now that I’ve helmed the department, it’s a whole new perspective”, the minister said, adding any dissenting thoughts he had with the government were being fine-tuned.

” I trust that after having met the military officials, the defense continuous director, and the deputy defence secretary, who are career soldiers through and through,” Mr. Phumtham said.

The key to this is to arrange discussions and acknowledge the difficulties they face. ” I regard the armed forces’ rulers”, the secretary said.

Some thought that because he joined the Communist Party of Thailand ( CPT ) in the 1970s and faced opposition from the military, Mr. Phumtham was unfit to take over the charge of the defense sector.

Mr. Phumtham claimed that he has advanced through the social hierarchy and is now putting together plans.

Lawmakers and express leaders are often at odds, he noted. He thinks he has started off on the right foot as defense minister because he engages in constructive dialogue with defense officials to address issues.

” No problem can be fixed overnight”, he said.

In order to ward off military coups, Mr. Phumtham argued that it was pointless to try to update the Defence Ministry Administration Act.

A bill sponsored by Prayuth Siripanich, a member of the Pheu Thai Party, seeks to change the law to make it illegal to use military power or military personnel in situations where the government has seized or is under control.

According to the report, soldiers who were ordered to carry out such acts had the right to refuse to do so and ran the risk of being viewed as a celebration to the military criminal law violation.

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New defence minister offers self-critique

Phumtham Wechayachai
Phumtham Wechayachai

Defence MinisterPhumtham Wechayachaisaid he is doing his best to manage the ministry’s affairs but admitted he needs to play a stronger role as a number of nagging problems remain unresolved.

In an effort to avert upcoming military coups, he added that he saw no point in pushing for constitutional changes.

Rating his achievement directing the government since his stay began on Sept 3, Mr Phumtham, who is also a deputy prime minister, said on Tuesday there have been certain deficiencies.

He claimed that some of his problems haven’t been resolved in the expected manner.

” But we have to start someplace and deal with the problems based on our understanding”, Mr Phumtham said.

He claimed that he saw the defense in a distinct light than when he was a student.

” Now that I’ve helmed the department, it’s a whole new perspective”, the minister said, adding any dissenting thoughts he had with the government were being fine-tuned.

” I trust that after having met the military officials, the defense continuous director, and the deputy defence secretary, who are career soldiers through and through,” Mr. Phumtham said.

The key to this is to arrange discussions and acknowledge the difficulties they face. ” I regard the armed forces’ rulers”, the secretary said.

Because he joined the Communist Party of Thailand ( CPT ) in the 1970s and faced off against the military, some thought Mr. Phumtham unfit to take over the charge of the defense sector.

Mr. Phumtham claimed that he has risen through the political divisions and reached a stage where he is now empathetic.

Lawmakers and state officials are often at conflict, he noted. He thinks he has started off on the right foot as defense minister because he engages in speech with military leaders as a way to address issues.

” No problem may be fixed overnight”, he said.

In order to ward off military coups, Mr. Phumtham argued that it was pointless to try to alter the Defence Ministry Administration Act.

A bill sponsored by Pheu Thai Party MP Prayuth Siripanich, who wants to change the law to make it illegal to use military force or military personnel in situations where the government’s managerial authority is seized or under control.

According to the report, soldiers who were ordered to carry out such acts had the right to refuse to do so and ran the risk of being viewed as a celebration to a military-related criminal offense.

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UK pushes green transition scheme

Personal investment ‘ does assist’ with shift

Sarah Tiffin (photo: ASEAN)
Sarah Tiffin ( photo: ASEAN )

To assist members of the Association of South East Asian Nations ( Asean ) in tackling climate change, the United Kingdom has launched a green transition investment initiative.

The UK Ambassador to Asean, Sarah Tiffin, said in an exclusive interview with the Bangkok Post that the Southeast Asian region has been identified as one of the most resilient to climate change during a recent visit to Bangkok. Both Asean and the UK shared the same fears about the natural move. While this area is advancing financial growth, it has its own problems regulating the rising carbon emissions that come with rapid economic growth.

The UK and the United Kingdom Economic & Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific ( Escap ) collaborated to launch the Southeast Asian Green Investment Catalyst initiative, which promotes sustainable foreign direct investment.

She stated that the UK government is currently contributing £2 million ( roughly 85 million baht ) to this initiative to aid the Asean Secretariat and member states in implementing the recently agreed Asean Regional Investment Promotion Action Plan, which was formally approved by Asean Economic Ministers in September 2024.

The Action Plan represents Asean’s first planned strategy for attracting alternative investment across worth chains, a major shift in regional cooperation in the promotion of responsible development.

The bank will also provide Asean Investment Promotion Agencies with capacity-building assistance, and it will also help the Asean Investment Forum in 2025 and 2026 to promote natural investment-ready prospects to buyers.

” We, as the UK, are the newest speech spouse, and we became Asean’s lover three years ago. We are brand-new to this area, and we would like to work really closely with the Secretariat and all Southeast member states to figure out how to work together ideal, where we can add the most value and where we can exchange policy-relevant information with each other, she continued.

The Asean Green Investment Catalyst effort aims generally to facilitate foreign direct investment in crucial alternative sectors that are essential to Asean’s changeover to low-carbon societies.

She stated,” The UK is delighted to support this cutting-edge program that will enable alternative investment in Southeast Asia.”

” We are demonstrating our support for Asean’s ambitious climate goals and our authority in climate fund.” This effort exemplifies the transformative power of UK-Asean assistance in promoting the region’s transition to zero emissions while creating lasting financial opportunities.

She questioned how the UK was assist Asean in addressing green transition through this program. She said that encouraging the private sector to generate their expense into natural transition is regarded as a good place to begin.

There is no fixed thought for a natural transition, she explained, and it could be submitted to obtain funding.

” What we want to do is to stimulate as many thoughts and ideas as possible from Asean member states and at the local level across the themes of the project, which, as I say, financing, policy-making, wildlife, cities. Then we will evaluate projects and back those that we believe you add the most value and those that we believe are the most valuable,” she continued.

” But the general purpose is to enable Asean transition to a brighter, more climate-resilient economy”, she noted.

” If we can reduce carbon emissions and foster economic growth, it will help to increase this region’s lives, livelihoods, and economy, as well as address the looming climate change problems.”

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UK pushes green transition scheme

Personal investment ‘ may assist’ with shift

Sarah Tiffin (photo: ASEAN)
Sarah Tiffin ( photo: ASEAN )

To assist members of the Association of South East Asian Nations ( Asean ) in addressing climate change, the United Kingdom has launched a green transition investment initiative.

The UK Ambassador to Asean, Sarah Tiffin, stated in an exclusive interview with the Bangkok Post that Southeast Asia is one of the most resilient to climate change during a recent visit to Bangkok. Both Asean and the UK shared the same fears about the natural transition. While this area is advancing financial growth, it has its own problems regulating the rising carbon emissions that come with rapid economic growth.

The UK then joined forces with the United Nations Economic & Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific ( Escap ) to launch the Asean Green Investment Catalyst initiative, which aims to promote sustainable foreign direct investment throughout Southeast Asia.

She claimed that the UK government is currently funding this initiative with a £2 million ( approximately 85 million baht ) grant through the Asean-UK Green Transition Fund to aid the Asean Secretariat and its member states in implementing the recently agreed Asean Regional Investment Promotion Action Plan, which was formally approved by Asean Economic Ministers in September 2024.

The Action Plan represents Asean’s first planned strategy for attracting alternative investment across worth chains, a major shift in regional cooperation in the promotion of responsible development.

The bank will also provide Asean Investment Promotion Agencies with capacity-building assistance, and it will also help the Asean Investment Forum in 2025 and 2026 to promote alternative investment options to investors.

” We, as the UK, are the newest speech spouse, and we became Asean’s companion three years ago. We are brand-new to this area, and we want to work closely with the Secretariat and all Southeast member states to figure out how to work together finest, where policy exchanges can be most useful, and where we can add the most worth, she said.

The Asean Green Investment Catalyst effort aims generally to facilitate foreign direct investment in crucial alternative sectors that are essential to Asean’s changeover to low-carbon societies.

She stated,” The UK is delighted to support this cutting-edge program that will help activate alternative funding across Southeast Asia.”

We are demonstrating the UK’s authority in climate financing and our commitment to supporting Asean’s optimistic climate targets. This program exemplifies the transformative power of UK-Asean participation in promoting the region’s transition to zero emissions while also providing for sustainable financial opportunities.

When asked how the UK might support Asean’s natural change effort, she said that encouraging the private business to generate their investment into a natural transition is regarded as a good place to begin the Asean region’s green transition process.

She explained that there is no fixed plan for a natural transition proposal and that it could be submitted to receive funding.

” What we want to do is to stimulate as many thoughts and ideas as possible from Asean member states and at the local level across the themes of the project, which, as I say, financing, policy-making, wildlife, cities. Then, she continued, we will evaluate projects and help those that we believe is add the most value and those that we believe are most valuable.”

” But the general purpose is to enable Asean transition to a brighter, more climate-resilient economy”, she noted.

” If we can reduce carbon emissions, and if we can encourage economic growth, that’s going to increase lives and livelihoods and the regional economy as well as address the looming crises of climate alter,” said one analyst.

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Opposition eyes govt’s weak points

A rift may” destroy coalition” due to split.

Natthaphong: Is doubting PM's role
Natthaphong: Is doubting PM’s position

Opposition chief Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut vowed to examine the role of Thaksin Shinawatra, alleged de facto leader of Pheu Thai, in the state while posing questions about whether Paetongtarn Shinawatra actually serves as the country’s prime minister.

When speaking with the media on Tuesday, Mr Natthaphong, leader of the main opposition People’s Party ( PP ), evaluated the coalition government’s performance over the past year, which he said had formed through a political “marriage of convenience”.

He said it typically faced internal bickering, especially between Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai, the second-largest alliance partner, hurting policy implementation.

He attributed these difficulties to the emergence of a coalition of parties with divisive political views, which prevented Pheu Thai from thoroughly advancing its campaign policies.

He was referring to the government made up of Pheu Thai and its arch-rival traditional station– Bhumjaithai, Palang Pracharath, United Thai Nation, Chartthaipattana and Democrat events. Palang Pracharath Party has since been booted out of the management.

Mr. Natthaphong anticipated that problems within the alliance might advance into 2025, possible destabilizing or perhaps toppling the authorities.

The criticism intends to submit a motion of no confidence that would provide a look into the root causes of the administration’s issues.

He also emphasized the importance of constitutional revisions, noting that Bhumjaithai, who is accused of trying to enlist in a parliamentary vote to obstruct a mandate update, may also play a role in the development.

Addressing Thaksin’s growing influence on the government, Mr Natthaphong pledged to keep the original top strongly in search.

He called on Ms Paetongtarn, Thaksin’s youngest child, to proclaim her authority as prime minister by appearing in person to answer ans in congress. For allegedly avoiding these meetings, she has received harsh criticism. The opposition leader criticized her for veering away from political motions, which raises questions about her real leadership skills and credentials.

In response to Thaksin’s new notes critical of the PP’s social system, Mr Natthaphong said his side’s commitment to hard work would contradict perceptions, highlighting its legislative contributions.

He also mentioned plans to work with coalition parties to have the contract altered, while even stressing the importance of gaining at least one-third of the Senate’s support for passing contract modifications. He likewise mentioned plans to support constitutional amendments.

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Thai opposition eyes govt’s weak points

A split could” destroy partnership” due to it.

Natthaphong: Is doubting PM's role
Natthaphong: Is doubting PM’s position

Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut vowed to examine the role of Thaksin Shinawatra, the government’s reported de facto leader, attentively while posing questions about whether Paetongtarn Shinawatra is the region’s true prime minister.

When speaking with the media on Tuesday, Mr Natthaphong, leader of the main opposition People’s Party ( PP ), evaluated the coalition government’s performance over the past year, which he said had formed through a political “marriage of convenience”.

He said it typically faced internal bickering, especially between Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai, the second-largest alliance partner, hurting policy implementation.

He attributed these difficulties to the emergence of a coalition of parties with radically divergent political viewpoints, which prevented Pheu Thai from thoroughly advancing its campaign policies.

He was referring to the government made up of Pheu Thai and its arch-rival traditional camp– Bhumjaithai, Palang Pracharath, United Thai Nation, Chartthaipattana and Democrat events. Palang Pracharath Party has since been booted out of the management.

Mr. Natthaphong anticipated that problems within the alliance might advance into 2025, possible destabilizing or perhaps toppling the authorities.

The criticism intends to submit a motion of no confidence that would provide a look into the root causes of the administration’s issues.

He also emphasized the importance of constitutional modifications, noting that Bhumjaithai, who is accused of trying to enlist in a contract update election withholding support, may also affect the development.

Addressing Thaksin’s growing influence on the government, Mr Natthaphong pledged to keep the original top strongly in search.

He called on Ms Paetongtarn, Thaksin’s youngest child, to proclaim her authority as prime minister by appearing in person to answer ans in congress. For allegedly avoiding these lessons, she has received harsh criticism. The opposition leader criticized her tendency to veer away from political motions, which raises questions about her real leadership skills and credentials.

In response to Thaksin’s new notes critical of the PP’s social system, Mr Natthaphong said his side’s commitment to hard work would contradict perceptions, highlighting its parliamentary contributions.

He also mentioned plans to work with another partnership parties to have the contract revised while acknowledging the importance of obtaining the backing of at least one-third of the Senate in passing contract modifications. He also mentioned plans to support constitutional amendments.

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Thaksin influence case to ignite tensions

One of the biggest political surprises in Thailand this year is anticipated to be a situation in which former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is accused of having a disproportionate impact over the judgement Pheu Thai Party.

In violation of Section 29 of the natural laws on events, Pheu Thai and its original coalition partners in the Srettha Thavisin management may be disbanded if it is established that they had consented to Thaksin’s reported disturbance and manipulation.

The main claim of undue influence stems from Pheu Thai and former and current coalition party people meeting Thaksin at his Bangkok home on the same day that Mr. Srettha was fired as prime minister by the Constitutional Court on August 14.

Thaksin is commonly seen as the de facto leader of Pheu Thai, which is now led by his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

At that meeting, alliance people and Thaksin discussed potential replacements for Mr. Srettha. After Mr. Srettha was removed from office, Thaksin reportedly intervened in the selection of a perfect governmental member.

Thaksin recommended Chaikasem Nitisiri, a former justice minister and Pheu Thai’s another prime ministerial member, been put forward for prime minister, but Pheu Thai MPs suddenly nominated Ms Paetongtarn otherwise, studies say.

The Election Commission (EC ) is looking into petitions lodged separately by Thai Pakdee Party chairman Warong Dechgitvigrom, Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a member of the Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ), Noppharut Worachitwutthikun, a former key leader of the political group Phirap Khao 2006, and an anonymous individual.

The coalition’s policies and those of the coalition have been discussed by Thaksin at a high-profile forum on August 22 before being actually adopted by the coalition, among other things.

Main target

Wanwichit Boonprong, a lecturer in political science at Rangsit University, stated to the Bangkok Post that he thought Pheu Thai would be the main target of the coup, while he anticipated the safety of other coalition partners.

” A political crisis will arise if the coalition parties are completely disbanded at the same time.” If they are fortunate, coalition parties will be treated as witnesses. Thaksin and Pheu Thai are the petitioners ‘ primary targets, according to Mr. Wanwichit.

Additionally, Mr. Wanwichit claimed that Pheu Thai MPs chose Ms. Paetongtarn to replace Mr. Chaikasem as prime minister to fend off accusations that Thaksin had manipulated the party.

Everyone is aware that Thaksin has the final say in Pheu Thai. The choice of Mr. Chaikasem was a token gesture. Pheu Thai MPs later rejected Mr Chaikasem and chose Ms Paetongtarn as if on cue,” according to Mr Wanwichit.

He stated that a no-confidence vote against the Pheu Thai government is anticipated after the New Year, and that information from the discussion will be released.

also provide Pheu Thai’s opponents with plenty of ground to file additional lawsuits against the organization.

Wanwichit: Pheu Thai to face hurdles

Wanwichit: Pheu Thai to face hurdles

According to Jade Donavanik, a professor and head of the College of Asian Scholars ‘ Faculty of Law, all coalition parties were required to have known in advance who would take Mr. Srettha’s place after he was ousted.

” The nomination of Mr. Chaikasem was intended to put the water to the test. Eventually, Ms Paetongtarn was nominated. This implies that Thaksin had already decided who would take Mr. Srettha’s place, according to Mr. Jade.

He added that it is still to be seen whether the EC will take action against Pheu Thai or against the coalition parties that attended the meeting at Ban Chan Song La’s residence.

Uniting against Pheu Thai?

Mr. Jade agreed that if the EC spared the coalition parties, they might be asked to join them to testify against Pheu Thai.

After Thaksin criticised them during a Pheu Thai seminar in Prachuap Khiri Khan on December 13, some groups may take advantage of this opportunity to teach them a lesson.

At the seminar, Thaksin slammed some coalition parties for their ministers ‘ failure to deliberate two executive decrees at a cabinet meeting. ” The next time they skip]a cabinet meeting], they should also produce a resignation letter”, he said.

Additionally, according to Mr. Jade, the party will have no prime ministerial candidates left if Pheu Thai is finally disbanded and its executives are expelled from politics. Mr Chaikasem is also a Pheu Thai executive.

Then, Bhumjaithai, the third-largest party in parliament, would have the chance to nominate its party leader, Anutin Charvirakul, for prime minister, Mr Jade said.

” Whether coalition parties will join forces against Pheu Thai depends on it.” The EC will have fewer problems finding evidence against Pheu Thai than against all coalition parties, according to Mr. Jade.

Jade: Events were predetermined

Jade: Events were predetermined

No big deal

The Political and Public Policy Analysis Institute director Thanaporn Sriyakul, however, said he did not believe the case in which Thaksin is accused of having an influence on Pheu Thai to be significant.

He claimed that Pheu Thai and Thaksin had previously perished in a more serious case involving them.

He cited the Constitutional Court’s decision to reject a petition filed on November 24 by Thaksin and the Pheu Thai Party in an effort to overthrow the constitutional monarchy.

Lawyer Teerayut Suwankesorn, who successfully sought the dissolution of the Move Forward Party ( MFP), filed the petition.

No other case, in my opinion, is more serious than this one. In contrast to the alleged attempt to overthrow the monarchy, Thaksin’s claims pale in comparison to that of the alleged attempt to do so, Mr. Thanaporn said.

Following his conviction for abuse of power last year, Thaksin was convicted of abuse of power under the Pheu Thai-led government, and one of the many allegations in the petition is that he used the Ministry of Justice to secure an extended stay for himself at the Police General Hospital to secure an extended stay.

According to the petition, Thaksin directed Pheu Thai to join forces with the People’s Party ( PP ), the former MFP, to push for constitutional changes.

Mr. Teerayut added that the policy statement Ms. Paetongtarn delivered on September 12 in the petition echoed the much-publicized “vision” that Thaksin outlined at the local forum on August 22.

Given all the accusations, the lawyer said Thaksin and Pheu Thai are undermining the royal institution and the country’s multi-party system. In order to impose himself on the nation, he requested that the court stop using Pheu Thai to enslave the people and stop using the party to smuggle power into the nation.

With the support of Thaksin, Pheu Thai has what it takes to compete with the PP in the upcoming election, while Mr. Thanaporn said he still believes Bhumjaithai can’t defeat the PP in the next election.

However, Mr. Thanaporn argued that if Pheu Thai wants to remain in power, it must avoid conflict of interest and contentious issues like the Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU) regarding maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand in 2001.

Due to the public’s reservations about the government’s planned negotiations with Cambodia over the sharing of natural resources in the Gulf of Thailand under the MoU, critics of the MoU are stepping up their calls for the government to revoke the document.

Thanaporn: Earlier case more serious

Thanaporn: Earlier case more serious

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Adjustments to ‘innovative health services’ sought

Dr Jadej Thammatacharee, right, talks with pharmacist Wiboonchai Pantip, left, about the implementation of the innovative health services scheme in Nan province. Aphaluck Bhatiasevi
Dr Jadej Thammatacharee, right, speaks with physician Wiboonchai Pantip, left, about the application of the modern health service program in Nan state. Aphaluck Bhatiasevi

Expansion of “innovative health services” under the universal coverage scheme will require adjustments that consider patient-centred services while adhering to efficient use of resources, according to Dr Jadej Thammatacharee, Secretary-General of the National Health Security Office ( NHSO ).

He said during a recent visit to Nan where he met people of a provincial civil society class and visited a physician and medical center, it is important to take into account the practical needs of patients and services providers.

Dr. Jadej said he wanted to hear from practitioners about their experiences with the earlier this year’s modern health services program.

He claimed that the plan was developed to lower hospital congestion, lower hospital overcrowding, and shorten patient wait times.

He continued,” It is crucial for both the service providers and the recipients to respect and assume control of this technique.”

Under the plan, patients can receive seven types of service from partnering units in their region, including pharmacies, nursing and midwifery clinics, physiotherapist clinics, health systems clinics, conventional medicine clinics, and alternative medicine clinics.

Over 13, 000 clinics are currently registered with the innovative health services scheme in 46 provinces, and there are plans to expand the scheme nationwide.

Dr. Jadej noted that the scheme is moving smoothly, but that there are still some things to be worked on and raised with the deciding committee.

These range from modifications to the requirements under the current reporting system to changes to the types of services offered by partnering units.

For instance, a patient can visit a pharmacy with two or more ailments, while the current computer-based reporting form allows the servicing unit to report only one ailment per visit, he said.

Another problem is that some already-enrolled pharmacies unrealistically state a high daily intake of over-the-counter patients they prescribe to, according to Dr. Jadej.

Mr Wiboonchai Pantip, a community pharmacist, said since enrolling with the NHSO, he has regularly received patients under the scheme, adding that he spends about 10 minutes on each patient.

He said that the scheme is only available to patients who have one or more of 16 medical conditions that can be treated with over-the-counter medications. He added that some patients must be referred to a hospital.

Each pharmacy that participates in the scheme receives 180 baht for each patient they treat each day.

According to Dr. Jadej, each patient is given one treatment per session for dental services, while some patients may receive more than one, adding that a patient may receive a tooth filling and dental hygiene at one visit. Patients who are covered by the universal coverage plan may use the service providers ‘ roster to get dental services without paying twice per year.

Dentist Nathana Suksansirikul, who is the only dental office in Nan, claimed that they have had positive feedback from local residents. ” On average, we receive 10-15 patients]per day], and the number is increasing”, she added.

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