On July 2, 2024, the National Health Security Office (NHSO) and Thepsombat Co., Ltd. (Sombat Tour) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the “Journey for Life” Project under the benefits of the National Health Security System, also known as the “30-Baht Universal Healthcare Scheme.”

The MoU was signed by Dr. Jadej Thammatacharee, Secretary-General of the National Health Security Office, and Mr. Pisit Sitthithananchaikun, Executive of Thepsombat Co., Ltd.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Dr. Attaporn Limpanyalert, Deputy Secretary-General of the NHSO, and Mr. Kanch Tantanleela, Managing Director of Wongpobit Transport Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of Sombat Tour).

Dr. Jadej stated that under the National Health Security System, the NHSO has continued to provide comprehensive and equitable healthcare coverage for approximately 48 million Thai citizens nationwide, including treatments for complex conditions with high medical costs.
In fiscal year 2024, additional benefits were introduced, including proton beam radiation therapy for cancer treatment, which is currently available at only one medical facility in Thailand — the Princess Sirindhorn Proton Center at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital — as well as brachytherapy for patients with ocular tumors, which is presently offered solely at Ramathibodi Hospital. In addition, robotic-assisted surgery services have been provided for eligible cancer patients.

However, it has been found that some cancer patients from provincial areas who are referred for these specialized treatments are unable to access medical services due to travel-related expenses, resulting in missed treatment opportunities despite having healthcare coverage.

With the launch of the “Journey for Life” Project, made possible through this valuable collaboration between the NHSO and Sombat Tour, and formalized through today’s MoU signing, cancer patients under the 30-Baht Universal Healthcare Scheme who are referred for specialized treatment will be better able to access high-cost medical services.
The project aims to reduce the financial burden of travel expenses by providing transportation support for patients participating in the program, thereby improving access to essential medical care.

The Sombat Tour Group expressed its pleasure in this collaboration, which aims to benefit the public by facilitating safe travel and reducing transportation expenses for patients traveling from provincial areas to Bangkok for medical treatment.
The initiative is intended to continue easing travel arrangements and lowering travel costs for the public.

Mr. Kanch further stated that with bus routes covering all four regions of Thailand, the company’s services are accessible to people in nearly all areas nationwide. In the future, the company plans to further expand its routes to provide even broader coverage.
As for this collaborative project, it will help reduce the travel cost burden for cancer patients under the 30-Baht Universal Healthcare Scheme who require specialized treatment in accordance with their medical care plans.
Further details of the project will be officially announced by the National Health Security Office (NHSO) in due course.