PHUKET, Thailand – Phuket authorities are working to address over 46 million baht in unpaid medical bills at public hospitals while improving health insurance coverage for migrant workers. Governor Chodnarin Koedsom chaired a meeting on Tuesday (Nov 10) with public health, labor, Social Security, and immigration officials to discuss outstanding medical expenses, insurance gaps, and overcrowding at healthcare facilities.
The Phuket Provincial Public Health Office reported that 48,352 of the province’s 97,611 registered migrant workers, or 49.54%, lack comprehensive health insurance. Another 28,795 are enrolled in Social Security, while 20,464 are covered by the Ministry of Public Health. Between 2022 and 2026, public healthcare facilities accumulated approximately 46.46 million baht in unpaid medical expenses, with Vachira Phuket Hospital accounting for 75.3% of the total.
Governor Chodnarin directed relevant agencies to improve coordination on worker registration, insurance eligibility, and debt management to recover outstanding payments and prevent further unpaid expenses. Authorities will also increase oversight of employers to ensure eligible migrant workers are properly enrolled in Social Security, while improving procedures for verifying healthcare coverage and monitoring hospital payments.
The meeting also considered a proposal to raise the annual Ministry of Public Health insurance premium from 1,600 baht to about 3,856 baht per person to better cover treatment costs. No decision has been made on the proposed increase. Provincial officials will continue reviewing measures to improve hospital finances while ensuring that residents and other patients maintain access to appropriate medical care. (NNT)
