Ministry of Public Health official presents Thailand’s nationwide drug cost reduction initiative, part of the “Suk Kai Sabai Krapao” program projected to save households 32 billion baht annually.
Thailand is moving to curb medical expenses with a new drug access program that lets patients buy prescribed medicines outside private hospitals. The “Suk Kai Sabai Krapao” (Healthy Body, Easy on the Pocket) scheme, launched this week, is expected to save 32 billion baht ($987million) in household healthcare costs each year. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as interior minister, presided over the signing ceremony at Government House, joined by Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun and Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat. The initiative, listed among the government’s “Quick Big Win” policies, targets Thailand’s rising private-sector healthcare costs and drug access. Public hospitals are overloaded, while private hospitals charge high prices driven largely by drug and supply mark-ups. The new drug access program aims to give patients more control and transparency over prescription spending.
Under the plan, patients at participating private hospitals will receive complete, clearly labeled prescriptions listing the drug names and dosage instructions. They can then decide whether to purchase from the hospital or take the prescription to an FDA-registered pharmacy for price comparison. More than 300 private hospitals have joined the effort, and the Thai Food and Drug Administration has certified over 3,400 pharmacies to dispense under the program. Pharmacies will display the official “Suk Kai Sabai Krapao” logo to signal participation. Patients can also use telepharmacy platforms registered with the Pharmacy Council of Thailand to order medicines remotely and consult licensed pharmacists.
The scheme is a joint effort by the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Public Health, working with the Private Hospital Association and other industry stakeholders. Anutin called it “a major step forward in Thailand’s healthcare and economic development,” adding that the collaboration reflects a commitment to affordable, equitable care. The government says the model will help balance pricing power between hospitals and pharmacies while maintaining drug quality and safety. All participating pharmacies must meet FDA and Pharmacy Council standards and are subject to regular audits.
Officials estimate the scheme will cut medical expenses by at least 32 billion baht annually by moving more drug purchases into the open market. Those savings are expected to benefit both consumers and the national health budget. For hospitals, the change could mean reduced income from in-house pharmacy sales, but officials frame the policy as a cost realignment, not a penalty. The focus, they say, is to make medicine pricing transparent and competitive. Anutin said the cooperation between ministries, hospitals, and pharmacies would strengthen Thailand’s healthcare system already ranked among Asia’s best and help ensure access to treatment for all citizens.
Participating hospitals are required to provide full prescription information, and patients must be informed of their right to fill drugs elsewhere. The government has begun public-awareness campaigns and is promoting the program through pharmacies and online health platforms. The Commerce Ministry will monitor pricing trends, while the Public Health Ministry oversees compliance and patient safety. Hospitals found withholding prescription details could face administrative penalties.
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The program’s rollout comes amid continued debate over high private healthcare costs in Thailand, where medication mark-ups remain a major driver of medical inflation. Analysts view the move as a practical first step in addressing those concerns while keeping the private sector engaged. “The government is confident that this collaboration will strengthen the healthcare system and ensure accessibility for all,” Anutin said. With its nationwide scope and mandatory transparency standards, Suk Kai Sabai Krapao represents a rare example of regulatory intervention that pushes for competition without resorting to price caps a model that could test how far market discipline can reach in Thailand’s healthcare economy.