In 2025, Thailand continues to demonstrate one of the highest child vaccination coverage rates in the world. According to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the World Health Organization (WHO), coverage of basic vaccines has reached 99% among children under 5. This makes Thailand a model of a successful national immunization program in Southeast Asia.
Vaccination is recognized as one of the most effective medical interventions, preventing millions of cases of measles, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, and hepatitis B. Today, fewer than 1% of children in the country remain fully unvaccinated.
How Was This High Coverage Achieved?
The success is based on a system built over decades:
- Free vaccines for all children — citizens and migrants — under the National Immunization Program;
- Integration with primary care: vaccinations administered at local health centers (Health Promoting Hospitals);
- Digital immunization registry (eVaccine) — all vaccinations recorded in a unified system, accessible to doctors and parents;
- Mobile clinics — for remote and hard-to-reach areas.
Work in Southern Provinces: Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat
In these provinces, where vaccination was previously hindered by socio-political instability, coverage now exceeds 97%. Key measures:
- Engagement of local leaders and religious figures to build trust;
- Programs in the Malay ethnic minority language;
- Flexible clinic hours — allowing parents to come after work;
- Financial incentives (transport compensation, food packages).
Support for Migrant Workers
Thailand hosts about 2.5 million migrant workers. Their children are now fully included in the healthcare system:
- Right to free vaccination without documentation;
- Multilingual awareness campaigns (in Burmese, Lao, Khmer);
- Temporary vaccination points at construction sites, farms, markets;
- Protection from income loss: clinics open on weekends and evenings.
New Challenges in 2025
Despite progress, barriers remain:
- Vaccine hesitancy in urban areas — especially on social media;
- Unvaccinated children in nomadic and isolated communities;
- Data gaps on vaccination of citizens living abroad.
To address these, MoPH is launching the "Vaccination Without Borders" campaign with UNICEF and WHO.
Outlook 2025–2030
Expected:
- Reaching 100% coverage by 2027;
- Rollout of digital "vaccine passports" in education and healthcare;
- Expansion to HPV and pneumococcal vaccines for adolescents;
- International recognition of Thailand’s model of inclusive immunization.
"Vaccination is not just a shot — it’s an investment in the future," said DDC Director Dr. Prae Pongpiwan. "A healthy child is the foundation of a strong economy."
Have a child in Thailand? My Thai Home helps you understand which vaccines are mandatory, how to register, and what to do if you’re a migrant. Health begins in the first year of life.
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