Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases in Thailand – The Case for Investment

Four Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs),- cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - claim 400 000 lives annually and are responsible for 74% of all deaths in Thailand.

This “Investment Case” study has shown that NCDs not only have a human and health cost, but also an economic cost. Currently, NCDs cost the Thai economy THB 1.6 trillion annually, equivalent to 9.7% of its 2019 gross domestic product (GDP). These costs include THB 139 billion to treat NCDs (9%) and THB 1.5 trillion (91%) in lost productive capacity due to absenteeism, “presenteeism” or early withdrawal from the labour force due to premature death or disability. NCDs thus negatively affect socioeconomic development and the long-term fiscal sustainability of Government and public services.

This report provides evidence that Thailand would benefit from investing in key clinical interventions for the four most prevalent NCDs and in four policy intervention packages that modify behaviour to address risk factors.  (tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity) and. The findings show that while investments in NCDs are a matter of urgency, they will also ensure significant social and economic returns. For example, an investment of THB 211 billion in the implementation of the four suggested policy intervention packages plus clinical interventions will save 310 000 lives and generate THB 430 billion in benefits for the national economy in the next 15 years.