Thailand’s public-health system is one of the most successful in the world, despite ongoing political turmoil and a constantly changing leadership. The country’s average life expectancy of 80 years surpasses its regional counterparts and is even slightly longer than the average American and European. This success is evidenced by the fact that 99.5% of the population, totaling 72 million people, were covered by health insurance last year.
What sets Thailand apart from other developing countries is its ability to achieve this level of healthcare success with significantly lower income per person compared to the U.S. In 2021, Thailand’s public health bill was only 6% of its GDP, far lower than the 17% spent in America and 11% in the European Union. This achievement is particularly impressive given the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years. Despite these challenges, Thailand has been able to provide high-quality healthcare to its citizens, making it a shining example for other developing nations.
