Bangkok: The government is reaching out to the public for feedback on a draft law titled "Community Nursing Volunteers," which proposes a monthly remuneration of 15,000 baht. The deadline for public input is set before early October 2026.
According to Thai News Agency, the initiative is being led by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), with Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, revealing that three draft laws related to community nurse volunteers are open for public commentary. Citizens are encouraged to submit their opinions through the central legal system website.
The first draft focuses on the principles of establishing Community Nursing Volunteers, aiming to enhance primary healthcare services without forming a new profession. It seeks public opinion on whether these volunteers should be managed based on mission results rather than regular working hours.
The second draft involves the assignment of medical practices to community nursing volunteers under the supervision of medical professionals. The public is invited to comment on whether such criteria should be established to empower volunteers in providing necessary medical practices for proactive primary care and emergency first aid.
The third draft addresses the remuneration aspects for community nurse volunteers. It queries the public on setting a standard remuneration rate of 15,000 baht per month and whether additional expenses like travel, equipment, and insurance should be reimbursed separately. The draft also proposes using performance-based criteria for payment instead of tracking working hours.
The government is inviting various stakeholders, including government officials, village health volunteers (VHVs), and Bangkok health volunteers (BHVs), to contribute their feedback. Comments on the first two drafts are open until October 7, 2026, while feedback on the final draft is open until October 8, 2026.