Flak for gender-affirming hormone therapy move
Thailand's National Health Security Office has launched a free gender-affirming hormone therapy program for about 20,000 transgender individuals, costing roughly 145 million baht per year. The initiative has been praised by transgender advocacy groups but faced criticism from some politicians who argue that limited healthcare funds should prioritize broader public health needs such as vaccine coverage. The NHSO defended the decision, stating it was based on extensive expert review and committee deliberation.
- ▪The program provides eight hormone-related drugs and associated health screenings to roughly 20,000 transgender people, at an estimated annual cost of 145 million baht.
- ▪Supporters view the policy as a landmark victory for transgender health equity after years of advocacy.
- ▪Critics, including Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, argue that the funding could be better allocated to larger‑scale health priorities such as the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for over 300,000 toddlers.
- ▪Opponents also raised safety concerns about the long‑term use of certain hormone drugs, particularly GnRH analogues, in transgender patients.
- ▪The NHSO spokesperson said the decision was made after extensive discussion with specialist panels and expert working groups.
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Thailand General Flak for gender-affirming hormone therapy move Critics say other health priorities deserve funding first PUBLISHED : 15 Jun 2026 at 04:55 NEWSPAPER SECTION: News WRITER: Apinya Wipatayotin Small Medium Large The National Health Security Office's exhibition at Government Complex in Bangkok last year. Varuth Hirunyatheb Thailand's decision to provide free gender-affirming hormone therapy under its universal healthcare scheme has prompted questions about how the National Health Security Office (NHSO) should prioritise spending amid growing pressure on the public health system.The programme, which covers around 20,000 transgender people at an estimated cost of 145 million baht annually, began distributing medicines through participating healthcare units nationwide on June 10.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Bangkok Post.
