July 3, 2026, Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan disclosed that Thailand’s healthcare system has been ranked the 8th best in the world for 2026 by Numbeo, the world’s largest database on cost of living and a global crowdsourced platform (based on user reports) for information related to quality of life. Numbeo provides insights into cost of living, housing price indicators, perceived crime rates, healthcare quality, transport quality, and many other key statistics.

Top ten countries with the best healthcare systems in the world, according to Numbeo, are: No. 1 Taiwan (87.1 points), No. 2 South Korea (82.9 points), No. 3 Netherlands (81.1 points), No. 4 Japan (80.1 points), No. 5 Austria (78.9 points), No. 6 Ecuador (77.7 points), No. 7 Finland (77.6 points), No. 8 Thailand (77.5 points), No. 9 Denmark (77.2 points), and No. 10 Spain (77.2 points).

The strength of Thailand’s healthcare policy lies in quality services at affordable costs, as well as effective management and equitable access for all. The Universal Health Scheme, in particular, allows treatment at any facility, both public and private hospitals, with high standards. The policy is comprehensive and inclusive, offering free medical care at all levels from general illnesses to chronic and high-cost diseases. All the patients need is to present a national ID card. This survey result reaffirms Thailand’s position as a leading destination for medical tourism.