HEALTH INFORMATION ACCESS AND EQUITY: POLICY PATHWAYS TO REDUCING HEALTH DISPARITIES IN THAILAND
Keywords:
Health Inequality, Health Information Access, Health LiteracyAbstract
Health inequality remained a critical challenge affecting quality of life and social equity in Thailand. Despite the expansion of universal health coverage and access to basic services, disparities in health information, digital access, and health literacy persisted as major obstacles. This study aimed to analyze health information inequality in Thailand, emphasizing the role of health communication and health literacy in bridging the gaps, and to synthesize lessons from international policy experiences for application in the Thai context employing a qualitative policy analysis approach. The study reviews academic literature, policy documents, and relevant case studies. Theoretical perspectives on structural health inequality and health literacy frameworks provide the conceptual foundation. Findings indicated that local administrative organizations, village health volunteers, and sub-district health promoting hospitals play crucial roles as community-level health communication mechanisms linking national policies to local populations. However, challenges remained in terms of limited resources, workforce capacity, and digital infrastructure. Comparative international cases, such as open health data initiatives and systematic mechanisms for combating health misinformation, highlight the importance of transparent health information systems and proactive health literacy enhancement. The study proposed the Data–Communication–Equity framework as a strategic policy pathway: 1. Advancing open and secure health data policies within the framework of personal data protection, 2. Establishing local health communication teams with competencies in health, digital, and data law, and 3. Promoting proactive health literacy through training programs and tailored media for diverse groups, including the elderly, migrant workers, and ethnic communities. If implemented continuously, this integrated framework will not only reduce health disparities but also foster a more equitable and sustainable health system in Thailand.
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