On December 27, Dr. Panuwat Panket, Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS), Ministry of Public Health, addressed concerns about private clinics issuing medical certificates for migrant workers without conducting proper health examinations. He ordered close monitoring and strict enforcement by the DHSS Legal Affairs Division and the Division of Health Facilities and Professions to prevent and penalize such practices.
Dr. Panuwat emphasized that issuing fraudulent medical certificates violates the Health Facility Act, B.E. 2541 (1998), punishable by up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 40,000 THB, or both under Section 73. These certificates pose serious public health risks, particularly in controlling the spread of infectious diseases. He urged clinic operators to comply strictly with regulations and refrain from issuing false medical documents.
Additional Requirements for Migrant Worker Health Exams
Deputy Director-General Dr. Akhom Praditsuwan stated that health checks for migrant workers must adhere to the Ministry of Public Health's standards under the 2024 Regulations on Migrant Worker Health Services. Clinics must obtain approval from the DHSS or the Provincial Public Health Office to provide such services.
For health checks conducted outside clinic premises, operators must submit detailed plans at least ten days in advance using form SP.T.1. If a migrant worker is found to have a prohibited disease under immigration laws or a dangerous communicable disease, the clinic must report the findings to the relevant authorities, as mandated by law.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with these standards could result in criminal charges under Section 35(4) in conjunction with Section 65 of the Health Facility Act, punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 20,000 THB, or both. Administrative actions, including temporary suspension of clinic operations, may also be imposed for severe violations.
The ministry's strict oversight aims to ensure fair practices, safeguard public health, and uphold the integrity of Thailand’s healthcare system.