Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, revealed that the kidney disease situation in Thailand in 2025 has become increasingly serious, with over 1.12 million people diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD). There have been 800,000 new cases recorded. At present, approximately 17.6 per cent of the Thai population suffers from chronic kidney disease, most of whom are patients with diabetes and hypertension. For insured persons under the Social Security system, the Minister has issued a policy directing the Social Security Office to ensure that insured persons suffering from kidney disease receive treatment in accordance with international standards and that their treatment rights are no less than other healthcare entitlements. The benefits must also cover four main forms of kidney replacement therapy, namely: Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD), Haemodialysis (HD), kidney transplantation, and palliative care.
The Labour Minister stated that kidney disease treatment benefits under Sections 33 and 39 cover insured persons, allowing them to access treatment at all stages free of charge. For haemodialysis treatment, benefits are provided at up to 1,500 Baht per session, not exceeding 4,500 Baht per week or 18,000 Baht per month, including erythropoietin injections, vascular access preparation, and related medical supplies in accordance with the prescribed rates, without time limitation. For continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), insured persons are entitled to up to 20,000 Baht per month, including erythropoietin injections, with catheter insertion costs covered up to 20,000 Baht per patient within two years. If it is necessary to replace the catheter within two years, an additional reimbursement of up to 10,000 Baht may be claimed.
Ms. Trinuch further stated that if insured persons with chronic kidney disease require automated peritoneal dialysis, they will receive benefits of up to 32,700 Baht per month, including erythropoietin injections. If the condition progresses to the stage requiring kidney transplantation, benefits will cover pre-operative, operative, and post-operative treatment, as well as lifelong immunosuppressive medication. The lump-sum benefit for kidney transplantation is up to 292,000 Baht.
“The Social Security Office recognises the concerns of insured persons suffering from kidney disease who require lifelong medical care. They should therefore receive comprehensive and equitable benefits so that they may maintain a good quality of life, continue working normally, and live longer lives,” Ms. Trinuch concluded.
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