10. Social Policy
It is the policy of the Government to develop the country's human resources, physically, mentally and intellectually. The Government will also endeavour to strengthen the society and make it sustainable with the aim of developing Thailand into a just, moral and balanced society. 10.1 Public Health
The Government is determined to create a system that provides public health services and health insurance to the public so that the people of Thailand may enjoy good health. In this connection, the Government will undertake to reform the public health system in order to reduce the country's total public health expenditures as well as to reduce the health care expenses incurred by the public. The Government will also create guarantees and opportunities for access to medical and health care services that meet an appropriate standard for all the people on an equal basis. Towards this end, the following policies will be pursued:
(1) Establish a National Public Health Insurance Fund by passing a National Health Insurance Act with the aim of improving the Government's efficiency in utilizing the public health budget as well as alleviating the public's burden in paying for public health services.
(2) Promote the production, development and expansion of public health personnel and service centres to meet the needs of the people in the country, both in terms of quantity and quality. In addition, the Government will promote and develop an information system as well as set standards for traditional Thai medicine, other alternative medicine, and Thai herbs for use in the provision of health care services with quality and safety.
(3) Organize a system for the prevention and eradication of dangerous infectious diseases as well as the prevention of accidents and disasters. Efforts will be made to control the increase of HIV/AIDS patients and provide appropriately for their care. Support the creation and dissemination of knowledge concerning health care. Accelerate the organization of activities involving the promotion of health and sports. Support the establishment of network organizations for controlling and preventing disease at all levels.
10.2 Sports
(1) Promote sports activities both at the community and school level with the aim of promoting health and serving as the starting point for development towards semi-professional and professional sports. The private sector will be encouraged to play a role in the development of sports.
(2) Promote and support the organizing of sports competitions at both the national and international levels in a systematic manner for the prestige of the country and the pride of the people. Support will be given to instill a good attitude towards sports among the people. 10.3 Drug Prevention and Suppression
The Government, as one of its most urgent policies, will accelerate efforts aimed at drug prevention and suppression. Such efforts will be based on the principle "Prevention before Suppression", "Drug Addicts Must be Treated, Drug Traffickers Must be Punished". Towards this end, the following policies will be pursued:
(1) Stringently enforce the law and create a special process to control and suppress traffickers and all those involved in the manufacturing and trafficking of drugs in a strict, swift and just manner. Amend the law to increase the highest degree of punishment for political and government officials who are involved in drug trafficking. Provide rewards and special protection for public officials and citizens who cooperate with the Government in drug suppression.
(2) Strictly control the importation of chemicals which may be used in the production of drugs. Strengthen the mechanisms of the public sector as well as legal measures so that they may be able to keep up with the evolution in technology involved in the production of drugs.
(3) Foster cooperation with international organizations and the international community in order to control and eradicate drug production bases as well as transnational networks for the distribution of drugs.
(4) Amend and revise laws that pose an obstacle to the obtainment of medical treatment as well as the physical and mental rehabilitation of drug addicts. Such addicts must be able to receive medical treatment and rehabilitation as soon as possible facing any legal charges. In addition, the Government will set up a system that will provide services for the treatment, rehabilitation, vocational training and acclimatization of drug addicts in order that they may be able to return to the mainstream of society.
10.4 Family, Children, Youth, Women and the Elderly
It is the policy of the Government to build the family institution into a warm and strengthened institution. The family should serve as the basic core in the revival of the economy and the shield for all family members of all ages from social problems. Towards this end, the following policies will be pursued:
(1) Establish Family Development Centres in each community with the participation of community members. Such centres shall provide advice and services concerning the family, whether regarding health, family planning, and family problems.
(2) Support the establishment of childcare centres for pre-school children in communities and the workplace. Such centres must be of good quality and standard.
(3) Amend and revise laws as well as strictly enforce laws aimed at severely preventing, suppressing and punishing offenders who violate children's rights and abuse children.
(4) Promote the rights, status and role of women. Develop the potential of women so as to enable them to participate fully in the development of their communities and country, whether in the economic, social or political sphere. Promote the equality of women in pursuing government service.
(5) Honour and provide guarantees to the elderly through the creation of social safety nets for the elderly. Develop the health care services provided to the elderly. Utilize the experience and knowledge of the elderly for the benefit of developing society.
10.5 Supporting the Underprivileged
(1) Provide assistance and support for the participatory development of the poor, the disabled, the handicapped, and the underprivileged to enable them to enjoy a good quality of life and look after themselves.
(2) Support public charity organizations in alleviating the effects of public hazards and providing assistance to victims at both the national and community levels.
(3) Establish an appropriate educational and vocational training system commensurate with the degree and nature of the disabilities or handicaps. This includes developing the learning and teaching media,