Abstract
Border health care is a complex situation, and is becoming even more so due to the differences of socio-cultural, political-economy, and geographical context. Notably, Thailand is the heart of Southeast Asia and bordered by Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia. The movement of people has been thus far featured across the border seeking the health care in Thailand which is referred to as, ‘border health’. Each year, the number of people from neighboring countries across border to receive health care in Thailand has been increasing. This study aims to explore border health care situation in 3 provinces – Ubon Ratchatani
(Thai-Lao border); Sakew (Thai-Cambodia border); Tak (Thai-Myanmar border) using qualitative research methods – in-depth interview, participant observation, and focus group discussion. The participants are divided into three groups: policy makers, health professions and NGOs, and patients who crossing borders seeking health care in Thailand. This study shows that social determinants – geography, politics, health service, belief, culture, networking and social supports. Moreover, due to the politics of neighboring countries, the Thai health services in border areas must adopt different approaches of health surveillance system. The public-private partnership between the government and NGOs enhances the effectiveness of border heath care system.
