Abstract
The objectives of this study are to review and analyze the standard setting processes both in Thailand and overseas, in order to propose recommendations regarding the appropriate and practical process for Thailand. The methodology included literature reviews both in relevant documents and Internet searching, in-depth interviews with the concerned officials responsible for standard setting in various organizations, and a workshop to brainstorm the involved experts. The results showed that many countries and organizations have the similar process, i.e., they use health risk assessment as a pivotal tool including scientific evidences to set the standards. Most of the standards are intended to be the guidelines for local authorities to modify in order to fit the public’s needs and to be enforceable. In Thailand, it was found that there are a variety of standard-setting agencies authorized under the different acts resulting in an inharmony of standard setting process, amendments, and monitoring. It is suggested that a national independent organization be set up to lay criteria and guidelines of standard setting, standard review and amendment, and people participation process and to select the standards that should be necessarily set in the Thai context in terms of studies in order to obtain an appropriate standard of Thailand. In addition, the decentralization of decision-making process of standard setting to the local areas should be considered in the future, including that the people participation in standard setting process should be imposed in the National Health Act.
