More public hearings will take place this coming weekend. The first two events – held on June 10 and 11 – saw some people walk out in opposition to the bill.

Deputy secretary general of the National Health Security Office, Dr Prachaksvich Lebnak, the secretary for the panel in charge of drafting the bill, said yesterday passing the draft was in the best interests of the public.

He insisted that people’s rights to medical services would not be adversely affected.

“They will receive the same level of medical services or probably better,” Prachaksvich said.

The universal healthcare scheme covers about 48 million Thais offering almost all types of medical service for free.

Prachaksvich insisted that amendments to the current National Health Security Act were necessary because the law needed to be updated after 15 years.

Prachaksvich said his committee comprised representatives from several sectors including the public and private sector.

“We are also willing to listen directly to opinions of the people,” he said.

People can register opinions at http://www.lawamendment.go.th until next Monday.

The two upcoming hearings will be held in Khon Kaen province on Saturday and in Bangkok on Sunday.

Registration to take part in the forum can be made at http://register.nhso.go.th/publichearing or at the registration counter in front of venues for the hearings.