BANGKOK, Thailand – More than 400 government hospitals across Thailand are facing negative operating funds, with the number of facilities in the highest level of financial crisis rising sharply, prompting warnings that urgent reforms are needed to prevent a wider healthcare system breakdown. Dr. Veerapun Suvannamai, deputy chairman of the Senate Public Health Committee, revealed the figures on July 10, citing data from the Health Economics and Health Security Division of the Ministry of Public Health. He warned that the situation had moved beyond a normal warning sign, saying hospital operating funds were a critical resource used to purchase medicines, medical supplies, pay staff compensation and maintain medical equipment.
According to the latest figures as of May 31, 2026, Thailand has 903 hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health, with combined remaining operating funds of 18.978 billion baht — a decrease of 3.725 billion baht from the previous quarter. Dr. Veerapun said 400 hospitals now have negative operating funds, meaning they have spent beyond available reserves, while another 485 hospitals have less than 5 million baht remaining — an amount that may not cover even one month of medicine costs for some facilities. Community hospitals, which serve as the first line of healthcare access for people in districts nationwide, are among the hardest hit, with 339 facilities reporting negative funds. The number of hospitals in the most severe financial crisis category, Level 7, has increased from nine facilities to 30 within a few months — more than tripling. Level 6 crisis hospitals rose from 15 to 32, while Level 5 increased from four to 16.
Dr. Veerapun warned that if the problem continues, hospitals could face difficulties paying pharmaceutical suppliers, potentially affecting medicine supplies. He also raised concerns that damaged medical equipment may not be repaired and exhausted healthcare workers could face further pressure. He stressed that the problem was not caused by doctors or nurses failing in their duties, but by a funding structure where healthcare system revenues do not match rising costs, including medicines, wages and the growing number of elderly patients. Dr. Veerapun called on the government to urgently review healthcare financing structures before the situation develops into a wider crisis affecting public health services nationwide. He said the issue represents a matter of national health security and requires budget allocations that reflect the real costs of providing medical care.
