Free hormone therapy for LGBTQ

[Gaybutton]

The article doesn't say whether "free" would also apply to farang, but it is a good guess the free therapy would apply only to Thais - not that I would expect many reading this board to be lining up for such therapy in the first place, but it certainly is even more demonstrative of how supportive Thailand is to the LGBTQ community.
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Thailand Approves Funding for Free Hormone Therapy for LGBTQ Individuals

By Adam Judd

June 29, 2025

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has allocated 145.62 million baht to provide free hormone therapy for LGBTQ individuals under Thailand’s universal healthcare scheme, a Public Health Ministry spokesman announced on Sunday. This decision marks a big step toward inclusive healthcare in the country, ensuring access to essential medical support for transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

Jirapong Songwatcharaporn, deputy spokesman for the ministry and a member of the NHSO fund management subcommittee, stated that Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin championed the initiative. The funding aims to cover hormone therapy costs, addressing a critical need for affordable and accessible healthcare for Thailand’s LGBTQ community.

The move has been welcomed by advocacy groups, who see it as a progressive step in a country known for its relatively open attitude toward gender diversity. Thailand’s universal healthcare scheme, often referred to as the “30-baht scheme,” already provides comprehensive coverage to millions, and this inclusion further broadens its scope.

The NHSO’s decision aligns with Thailand’s ongoing efforts to promote equality and improve healthcare access for marginalized groups. Further details on the implementation and eligibility criteria are expected to be released soon, according to ministry officials.

https://thepattayanews.com/2025/06/29/t ... dividuals/

[Dodger]

I'm one who believes that health care systems (all countries) should continue to focus on fixing and/or preventing things from going wrong - versus changing things that aern't.

Nothing wrong with transgenders wanting feminizing hormones, or for that fact Toms wanting masculinizing hormones, but it should be at their own expense.

Thailand's 30 baht Scheme is great for the majority of the population and puts most countries in the West to shame by providing free healthcare to its citizens, but they should always look for ways to enhance this Service - not detract by financing things that are not medical necessities.

[Jun]

I'm one who believes that health care systems (all countries) should continue to focus on fixing and/or preventing things from going wrong - versus changing things that aern't.

Nothing wrong with transgenders wanting feminizing hormones, or for that fact Toms wanting masculinizing hormones, but it should be at their own expense.

I agree totally. This is not the kind of thing taxpayers should fund.

In fact taxpayer funding introduces a perfectly reasonable excuse for people to object, so it may be unhelpful.

I object to my taxes funding this in the UK & see no reason why some Thais would not take the same view.

I think it is OK if people pay for it themselves.