Thai Government Allocates Millions for Free Hormone Replacement Therapy

By JUICE Malaysia  •  03 Feb 2025 in News

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Just days after Thailand made history by legalising marriage equality, the country’s Ministry of Public Health has expanded its free health services to include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transgender individuals.

According to the Bangkok Post, the initiative is backed by a THB145.63 million (RM19,09 million) allocation to the National Health Security Office, which aims to provide hormone medication to 200,000 transgender citizens.

Deputy government spokesman Anukool Pruksanusak said this measure aligns with the government’s efforts to support marriage equality, prioritising both physical health care and mental well-being for sexually diverse communities.

He noted that the growing societal acceptance of gender diversity makes HRT essential for many transgender individuals seeking to align their physical appearance with their gender identity.

The budget for 2025, approved by the National Health Security Board, marks a significant step toward reducing health inequities.

Anukool explained that previously, many individuals had to bear the financial burden of hormone therapy, which led some to resort to unsupervised and potentially harmful alternatives.

By making HRT accessible and free, the government hopes to improve safety and care for the transgender population.

In addition to hormone therapy, the National Health Security Office offers transgender citizens a range of medical and public health services on par with those available to the general population.

These services include medical treatment, health promotion, disease prevention, and rehabilitation, ensuring equal access to health care for all.

This progressive policy underscores Thailand’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and addressing the needs of its LGBTQ+ community.

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