This policy allows a quick five-minute registration for public hospital coverage, a process that previously took weeks or months. However, it is limited to foreigners from neighboring countries and stateless people in remote border areas, not expats or tourists elsewhere in Thailand.

The policy comes in response to the influx of workers and refugees due to the unrest in Myanmar, affecting border towns like Mae Sot.

The health ministry's financial data hub will enable swift reimbursement of medical fees for covered individuals. Meanwhile, the ministry is investigating an incident where a Taiwanese man died after being denied adequate treatment post-accident, which may violate emergency medicine regulations.

Most foreigners in Thailand, including tourists and expats, are not required to have comprehensive medical insurance, with some exceptions like certain retirees and those with work permits.

Plans for a 300 baht entry tax on foreigners to support medical needs and tourism upgrades have been delayed, with only a small part potentially aiding a compensation fund for tragic cases.