Thailand is one of the countries that succeeded in meeting several Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets, i.e. poverty and hunger reduction, universal primary education, gender equality, fight against HIV/AIDS, access to clean drinking water and sanitation, improving the lives of people in slums and participation in global partnerships.¹⁰

Thailand achieved the health-related MDGs and introduced the concept of ‘MDG plus’. A review of the Thailand health system highlighted key factors underpinning the success. Although there were multiple changes in political context during that period, technocrats in the relevant government departments were stable and thus able to maintain focus on achieving the long-term plan of strengthening the health system. Health managers at provincial and district levels had the authority and flexibility to implement policies and regulations set at national level. This allowed them to respond to local context and needs, especially where financial and human resources were concerned. Financial managers were able to retain revenues generated from user fees to purchase medicines at the best possible price. Human resources were managed to enhance programme integration and avoid vertical duplication. For example, HIV prevention programme services were integrated with the antenatal care clinic delivered by nurses after training and piloting.¹¹