As – parts of society, migrants and ethnic minorities in Thailand have the right to health protection. They should be entitled to equitable healthcare coverage and services without discrimination, in accordance with Thailand’s National Health Assembly resolution on access to healthcare for migrant workers in 2022. Moreover, the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being is a fundamental human right, as enshrined in Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Despite Thailand’s recognition for significant advancements in promoting the health of migrants, challenges persist in various aspects, particularly in the context of Bangkok. The city’s unique governance, diverse population, and the specific characteristics of migrant communities create substantial barriers to comprehensive healthcare access.
The World Vision Foundation of Thailand is working diligently to enhance healthcare access for migrants through an initiative designed to develop a migrant-friendly healthcare system with support from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (THPF). This project emphasizes building collaborations across all levels to ensure equitable access to healthcare services for migrants in accordance with human rights principles. A recent workshop was held to devise strategies and frameworks aimed at improving the health of migrants in Bangkok. The primary goal was fostering cooperation among stakeholders while creating an innovative “sandbox” environment that enhances health promotion, prevention efforts, and treatment options available to migrant communities. Over 35 participants representing various sectors—including the Medical Service Department of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, THPF, Ratchaphiphat Hospital Health Systems Research Institute, Migrant Working Group along with other health-related organizations—contributed their insights and suggestions.
During the workshop, participants exchanged ideas and developed an action plan for a pilot project to foster collaboration and establish the sandbox initiative. This initiative aims to promote health, prevention, and treatment for migrants in three specific areas of Bangkok: Bang Khun Thien, Bang Sue, and Samphanthawong. The goal is to tailor healthcare services to meet the unique needs of migrants in each area with intention of eventually expanding the project to a wider scale.
The three pilot areas—Bang Khun Thien, Bang Sue, and Samphanthawong—have distinct characteristics, such as varying types of migrants, employment types, healthcare providers, and language diversity. These factors significantly impact migrants’ access to healthcare. Hence, addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach from all stakeholders involved.
