Bangkok, 24 April 2024 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) of Thailand strengthen collaboration to promote meaningful inclusion of migrants in national health systems and policies through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 24 April 2024.

“This MoU marks our continued collaboration in providing healthcare services to migrants living and working in Thailand and building their confidence in Thai health system,” said Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong, Permanent Secretary at MoPH. “I am confident that our efforts will benefit not only the migrants but also the national public health, protecting the society as a whole.”

The MoU reflects over two decades of collaboration between IOM and MoPH that began in the early 2000s. Over the years, this partnership has grown to encompass IOM health assessment work for populations moving to third countries, as well as activities aimed at facilitating access to quality health services for migrants living and working in Thailand.

With two established clinics and laboratories in Bangkok and Mae Sot, IOM Thailand’s health team now comprises of over 60 personnel including 10 medical doctors and 15 nurses.

“IOM is committed to supporting the Royal Thai Government’s leadership in championing the health and well-being of migrants in line with their commitments under the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration,” remarked Géraldine Ansart, Chief of Mission at IOM Thailand. “In 2023 alone, IOM provided health-related services to over 25,000 migrants.”

"This renewed cooperation is extremely timely as Thailand faces increasing migration health challenges, especially in border areas, with the recent uptake of cross-border movements from Myanmar,” she added.

Migrants’ health and the value they create are key in achieving the 2030 Agenda. Building on the emphasis on migrants’ access to healthcare in the 20-year National Public Health Plan (2017-2036), MoPH has scaled up efforts to develop the Migrant Health Strategy and Border Health Development Master Plan in consultation with IOM and partners.

“A safer and healthier tomorrow starts with inclusion. The benefits of investing in inclusion far outweigh the cost of exclusion. Together with the Royal Thai Government, we aim to make universal health coverage for migrants a reality by 2030,” added Ms Ansart.

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For more information, please contact:

Dr. Leena Bhandari (lbhandari@iom.int)

or Anushma Shrestha (anshrestha@iom.int).