“Thailand’s political change began with the 1932 revolution but it was a top-down change in which people played no part. But in the October-14 Uprising, people were the key players fighting for democracy.

Back then social inequality was the main driving force. The uprising succeeded, leading to the adoption of a constitution in 1974 which mandated a free medical care service.  It was the government of the Social Action Party of Prime Minister Kukrit Pramoj which initiated the free medical service to poor people and plans to set up hospital in every district in Thailand.   And it was the government of Gen Prem Tinsulanonda which succeeded in having district hospital set up in every district and health care station set up in every tambon (sub-district). It was later expanded to become a universal health care service and led to a reform of the Public Health Ministry.”