Investigation Reveals 300,000 Incorrect Health Examination Certificates for Foreign Workers

Strategic Insights -

The Thai Ministry of Public Health launched an investigation into a private hospital in Samut Sakhon Province, which allegedly sold health examination certificates to foreign workers without performing actual examinations. The hospital, not licensed by the Ministry of Public Health, had conducted health examinations for 15,000 foreign workers, and all health examination certificates were currently being revoked. Deputy Minister of Public Health, Mr. Chaichana Dejdecho, stated that 41 hospitals registered with the Department of Employment had permits from the ministry, while 41 others were found to be in violation of the law. The investigation revealed that these 41 hospitals account for approximately 200,000 to 300,000 workers receiving invalid medical certificates. The hospital found guilty of issuing invalid medical certificates faces a penalty of one year imprisonment and a 20,000 baht fine under Section 35 (4) of the 1998 Healthcare Facility Act.

Key Takeaways:

  • The investigation revealed that a private hospital in Samut Sakhon Province sold health examination certificates to foreign workers without performing actual examinations, resulting in 300,000 incorrect health examination certificates.
  • 41 hospitals registered with the Department of Employment had permits from the Ministry of Public Health, while 41 others were found to be in violation of the law.
  • The hospitals found guilty of issuing invalid medical certificates account for approximately 200,000 to 300,000 workers receiving invalid medical certificates.
  • The hospital found guilty faces a penalty of one year imprisonment and a 20,000 baht fine under Section 35 (4) of the 1998 Healthcare Facility Act.
  • Deputy Minister of Public Health, Mr. Chaichana Dejdecho, stated that the hospital's license will be revoked if the infringement was intentional.
  • The investigation is ongoing, and the Ministry of Public Health will inspect the work sites where affected workers are located.
  • The Thai Ministry of Public Health is urging greater ethics and a sense of Thainess among hospitals and doctors who sign medical examination certificates.

Statistics:

  • 300,000 incorrect health examination certificates for foreign workers were found to be issued by unlicensed hospitals.
  • 41 hospitals registered with the Department of Employment had permits from the Ministry of Public Health.
  • 41 hospitals registered with the Department of Employment were found to be in violation of the law.
  • 200,000 to 300,000 workers received invalid medical certificates from the 41 hospitals found guilty of issuing invalid medical certificates.
  • One year imprisonment and a 20,000 baht fine is the penalty under Section 35 (4) of the 1998 Healthcare Facility Act.

Sources:

  • Thai News Agency, 26 Aug 2025
  • 1998 Healthcare Facility Act