This review provides insights into Thailand’s historical health system development and universal health coverage by employing a systematic search of published and grey literature in Thai and English languages.
Despite its low gross national income per capita in Thailand, a bold decision was made to use general taxation to finance the Universal Health Coverage Scheme without relying on contributions from members. The review unveils the role of health systems development in advancing universal health coverage implementation, the outcomes of universal health coverage, and the progression of extending financial risk protection to diverse population segments until achieving coverage for the entire population. In addition, it addresses challenges and lesson learnt from Thailand.