The Minister of Public Health and Chairman of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) Board, Mr Somsak Thepsuthin, has assigned the NHSO to study the potential inclusion of Advanced Therapy Medical Products (ATMPs) under Thailand’s Universal Health Coverage Scheme (UCS), commonly known as the “Gold Card” or “30-Baht Scheme.”
Speaking at the 5th NHSO Board Meeting of 2025, held on 7 May, Mr Somsak said the initiative—jointly developed by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the private sector—has made substantial progress. The project aims to establish a national centre for the development of ATMPs and to create a model for the implementation and utilisation of these therapies nationwide.
As part of the initial phase, two pilot “sandbox” locations have been designated: the Bangrak Medical Center Building in Bangkok’s Sathorn district and Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket province. These public health facilities are being supported by private sector funding and will serve as leading sites in advancing the use of ATMPs in Thailand.
The sandbox projects will be overseen by the Ethics Committee on Research of the Department of Disease Control, ensuring ethical compliance and enabling the project’s continuation.
“I would like the NHSO Board to be informed of the project’s progress and to formally assign the NHSO to study the development and implementation of ATMPs,” Mr Somsak said. “The goal is to identify a clear pathway for integrating these therapies into the UCS benefits package, thereby strengthening healthcare and treatment services for Thai people.”
Dr Jadej Thammatacharee, Secretary-General of the NHSO, confirmed that the office would act on the assignment. Relevant NHSO subcommittees—including those responsible for defining the types and scope of public health services—will assess the feasibility of including ATMPs under the UCS, in accordance with national health policy. The NHSO will report its findings and progress in due course.