In a bid to address the complex issue of unregistered individuals in Bangkok, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has highlighted the presence of a hidden population, surpassing 10 million residents. This term encapsulates individuals living, studying, or working in the province without formal household registration.
Despite the availability of extensive medical services mandated by the National Health Security Act, a portion of Thailand’s population facing registration status challenges has encountered difficulties in accessing their rightful healthcare benefits. To align with the government’s agenda, Sirindhorn Hospital, Wetchakarunrasm Hospital, the Central Hospital, and the Central Institute of Forensic Science have initiated services to facilitate DNA testing sample collection.
This targeted initiative primarily focuses on residents in Bangkok, particularly in the eastern and central zones, grappling with registration status hurdles. The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has underscored the significance of DNA sample collection in advancing the rights of those facing registration challenges.
NHSO data reveals that a substantial number of individuals in this category belong to vulnerable groups, including the homeless and those without proper documentation or citizen ID numbers, often stemming from unreported births or lost documents. The NHSO further emphasizes the prevalence of over 40,000 Thais in Bangkok unable to assert their rights, with more than 2,000 being homeless individuals, making them a priority for assistance initiatives. This strategic effort aims to bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility for an often-overlooked segment of the population in Bangkok.
