Thailand provides free COVID-19 tests under social security scheme

The Ministry of Labour will provide free COVID-19 tests to members of the social security scheme, in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Bangkok.
By: | April 15, 2021
Topics: Health and Wellness | News | Thailand

Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin said the programme will cover members under Sections 33, 39 and 40 of the Social Security Act. 

Section 33 covers current employees, Section 39 covers former employees who wish to preserve their insured status by continuing to contribute to the fund, and Section 40 covers self-employed people. 

“The programme will kick off on April 17 at Bangkok Youth Centre (Thai – Japan) in Bangkok’s Din Daeng district, whereas those insured under the social security scheme, who are in risky groups, can receive COVID-19 tests for free,” the minister said. 

“We expect to provide testing to 300 people per hour, while the test results would be received within 24 to 48 hours.” 

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The programme is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Interior to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, especially among those returning from their hometowns during the Songkran holidays, Suchart added. 

“If anyone insured is found to be infected, they would be sent to hospitals under the social security scheme for free treatment. Currently there are 81 hospitals registered with the ministry, with a total capacity of over 1,000 beds,” added Suchart, according to Nation Thailand.