In recent years, health care in Thailand has become an increasingly well-researched topic in the social sciences. This is because of the passage in 2001 under the Thaksin Shinawatra government of a universal health care bill, also known as the “30-baht cure all diseases program” (sam sip baht, raksa tuk rok). Under this bill, all citizens are able to access most forms of medical care with a co-pay of only 30 baht (about $0.80). This is a radical shift in health policy that has huge implications for the well-being of the poor. It is especially notable because it comes from a developing country with relatively limited resources, devoid of leftist political parties or influential labor unions. Despite extensive opposition, the 30-baht program has been effective, successful, and popular. Furthermore, it is seen as a model for advancing universal health care in other developing economies.1
The three books...
