Rural Doctor Movement:The Origin and Establishment of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation

Dr Choochai Supawongse ,

President , the Rural Doctor Foundation,

Former Chairperson of the Rural Doctor Society,

and Former Secretary-General of the Thai Medical Council.

1. Introduction

Dr Sanguan Nittayaramphong, a prominent member and former President of the Rural Doctor Society, was instrumental in creating the National Health Security System (Gold Card program) and the National Health Security Act of 2002, which led to the establishment of the National Health Security Office (NHSO).

Lesser known is the contribution of

Professor Dr Prakit Vathesatogkit, former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital,

and Dr Supakorn Buasai, another former committee member of the Rural Doctor Society,

who also played pivotal roles in the legislation and establishment of the ThaiHealth.

“…Their efforts have significantly laid an innovative organizational platform, strengthening health promotion initiatives in Thailand….”