Bangkok: The government is moving forward with plans to improve the quality of life for healthcare personnel by revising the wage structure, effective October 1, 2026.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the government, led by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, is prioritizing the improvement of living conditions and job security for public sector personnel, particularly in the healthcare sector, which plays a vital role in providing nationwide health services.
The deputy spokesperson reported that Mr. Phatthana Phromphat, Minister of Public Health, has issued a policy directive to urgently enhance the quality of life and job security for public health personnel at all levels. The Ministry of Public Health is moving forward with restructuring the wage scale for its employees and temporary monthly employees, following approvals from the Ministry of Finance and the Public Health Employees Management Committee. The restructuring includes measures to support those potentially impacted by the changes.
The new wage structure will set a minimum wage of 10,520 baht per month, or about 457 baht for 23 working days, which is above the current minimum wage. This will be implemented nationwide from October 1, 2026, providing healthcare facilities ample time to adjust their budgets and manage personnel effectively.
Ms. Lalida explained that this wage restructuring is part of Mr. Phatthana Phromphat's policy to enhance the standard of care for public health personnel across all levels, including aspects such as income, welfare, and career development, to create incentives for work and retain quality personnel within the public health system.
Additionally, the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health has proposed increasing the employment quota for Ministry employees and temporary monthly employees by 93,000 positions. This aims to accommodate scholarship students and offer temporary daily wage employees opportunities for stable employment. The proposal is currently under review by the Ministry of Finance.
Ms. Lalida stated, 'The government believes that ensuring healthcare personnel have adequate income, job security, and clear career advancement paths will boost morale and improve performance, leading to higher quality healthcare services and more comprehensive and effective care for the public.'
Minister of Public Health, Mr. Pattana Promphat, highlighted the need for all agencies under his ministry to continuously develop the public health system while providing ongoing care for all personnel. This initiative is intended to strengthen the country's health system and enhance the quality of life for the public in the long term.