Thai Government Reaffirms NHSO Fund Transfers for Hospitals

The Thai government has issued a statement to clarify that the payment process under the universal healthcare scheme remains intact and reliable. Amid social media concerns regarding delayed payments to hospitals, on May 8, 2026, Deputy Government Spokesperson Ms. Ploytale Laksmisangchan confirmed that the National Health Security Office (NHSO) is consistently transferring funds in accordance with predetermined schedules and service criteria.

This assurance follows claims circulating online indicating that hospitals enrolled in the universal healthcare or “gold card” initiative were compelled to cover treatment costs upfront and subsequently seek reimbursement from the NHSO, leading to financial strain and delayed payments. The NHSO responded by clarifying that its payment mechanisms are based on various models, dependent on the healthcare services rendered. Officials emphasized that the system adheres to strict regulations and verified payment protocols.

As per the NHSO, outpatient medical services and health promotion initiatives rely on a lump-sum per capita funding model known as OP-PP Cap. Additional services, such as inpatient and specialized medical care, are compensated based on actual service data submitted through systems like the OP-IP Fee Schedule. Officials assured that each fund transfer is subject to thorough verification and processing before payments are finalized.

Government statistics indicate that Bangna 1 Hospital has received a total of 52.85 million baht from NHSO for the fiscal years 2025 and 2026, with 13.59 million baht recorded in fiscal year 2025 and 39.26 million baht in 2026. This funding supports a range of healthcare services, covering outpatient treatment, inpatient care, renal replacement therapy, disease prevention initiatives, and specialized medical services.

Similarly, Mitpracha Hospital has also benefited from significant NHSO funding. Records show the hospital received 164.15 million baht during the same fiscal years, including 66.96 million baht for 2025 and 97.19 million baht for 2026. These funds facilitate outpatient and inpatient services, health promotion activities, specialized treatment endeavors, and various healthcare operational needs.

Ms. Ploytale highlighted that NHSO has allocated over 217 million baht in total to both hospitals. She mentioned that the payment system operates without pause, featuring multiple payment cycles each month based on service categories, processing durations, and verification timelines. The government reiterated that there have been no suspensions or significant delays in payments, contrary to claims made on social media.

The government also announced measures to ensure patient care continuity during the upcoming changes affecting Bangna 1 Hospital and Mitpracha Hospital. NHSO confirmed both hospitals would cease their roles as primary healthcare units starting June 1, 2026. A transition plan is in place to seamlessly transfer patient healthcare rights to nearby facilities.

For the 18,831 patients registered with Mitpracha Hospital, their healthcare rights will be reassigned to Phramongkol Thepmuni Hospital, while Rajpipat Hospital will serve as the referral point for specialized care. Meanwhile, the 22,365 patients currently under Bangna 1 Hospital’s care will have their rights transferred to Kluaynamthai 3 Hospital, noted for its capability to provide primary care, referral services, and ongoing medical treatment.

The government emphasized that all relevant agencies are coordinating to ensure citizens receive uninterrupted healthcare services throughout this transitional phase. Officials have reassured the public that ongoing treatments will remain unaffected and that the transfer of healthcare rights is meticulously organized to uphold public trust in Thailand’s universal healthcare system.