Thailand funds hormone therapy for 200,000 low-income trans individuals

Activists are celebrating new support for low-income transgender people in Thailand. These individuals often struggle to access healthcare services, particularly hormone therapy. This therapy is important for many in achieving their gender identity. In January, the government allocated 145.63 million baht to provide hormone medicine for 200,000 transgender people. Local activist Nachale Boonyapisomparn praised this decision. She noted that it particularly helps low-income workers who previously lacked access to these necessary treatments. Activists are also calling for more accessible services in rural areas. Deputy government spokesman Anukool Pruksanusak linked this subsidy to the government’s commitment to marriage equality. He stated it would reduce health risks for those seeking hormone therapy through unofficial channels. The policy aims to ensure everyone can access healthcare, regardless of their financial situation. Tlaleng Mofokeng from the UN Human Rights Council welcomed the government's action. She emphasized that healthcare systems must support, not harm, transgender individuals. While Thailand has made progress, Mofokeng noted the need for policies that prioritize people's rights for a more inclusive healthcare system. Along with medical access, education about hormones is also essential. Nachale suggested improved health literacy among recipients of hormone therapy. This could help protect individuals from unsafe treatments obtained unofficially. Rena Janamnuaysook from IHRI Tangerine, a transgender health clinic, explained that the costs and types of hormone therapy vary by individual needs. On average, patients at her clinic spend about 5,000 to 7,000 baht a year on medication and lab costs. Although data on the total number of transgender people needing therapy is limited, there are about 7,000 patients treated at her clinic annually, making it the largest of its kind in Asia.