There are members of any population that find themselves in vulnerable circumstances, either due to legal status, socio-economic challenges, sex and sexuality, health condition, disability, or simply old age. In some cultures, mainstream society does not want to see the disadvantaged populations, and marginalizes them through discrimination, stigma, exploitation, or denial of opportunity. Thus, providing coverage of the entire population, including health insurance, education, and access to public services is an important power to help strengthen and reduce vulnerability in society.
This annual volume on the Health of the Thai Population presents the status of country in terms of 12 indicators of health for vulnerable populations. The first two indicators are related to persons who have migrated to Thailand for work and find themselves in vulnerable situations; and Thais who have migrated to other countries for work or opportunity. Indicators 3-6 are related to persons who are in difficult circumstances due to social problems, sex/sexuality, or economic distress. Indicators 7-9 relate to segments of the population whose vulnerability is due to a health problem or disability. Finally, Indicators 10-12 concern people whose vulnerability and risk to well-being can be attributed to a certain stage in life.
This year’s report on the Thai health situation presents the top stories in 2018 so that society can learn and analyze the phenomena that we are experiencing together. The report highlights the following issues: 1) The prolonged effort to ban paraquat in Thailand: The Toxic Substances Board Won’t Act; 2) The resurgence of tuberculosis; 3) Misappropriation of the poverty relief fund - making merit for sin; 4) Imported electronic waste: The danger from abroad; 5) Approving healthy use of marijuana - the first step toward a medical advance; 6) Rabies outbreaks and the obstacles to vaccination coverage; 7) The “Magic Skin” network – Is it finally time to get serious about consumer protection?; 8) 17 days to save the Wild Boars Academy soccer club; 9) The tragic boat accident in Phuket: Thai tourism lessons; and 10) The return of measles in Thailand.
Publisher | Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University | |||
Cooperate | Thai Health Promotion Foundation
The National Health Commission Office |