Somchai Thanasitthichai, director of the National Cancer Institute and head of the drafting effort, said cancer treatment represents one of the heaviest burdens on Thailand's healthcare budget. Liver cancer accounts for the highest share of new cases at 13.8%, followed by breast cancer (13.2%), colorectal cancer (13.1%), lung cancer (12.7%) and cervical cancer (3.7%). Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths at 17.4%, narrowly ahead of liver cancer at 17.35%, followed by colorectal cancer (6.66%), breast cancer (5.7%) and lymphoma (4.01%). Health expenditure under the National Health Security Office (NHSO) has risen more than sevenfold, from 111.16 billion baht in 1994 to 834.26 billion baht in 2021. The committee also addressed disparities in access to cancer treatment equipment.

Source: Bangkok Post April 02, 2026 03:33 UTC