Development of the Personal Health Record System in Thailand, 2025

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate, analyze, and formulate policy recommendations for the sustainable development of Thailand’s Personal Health Record (PHR) system. The research is situated amidst the structural challenges of the public health system and the momentum generated by the “30-Baht Healthcare Everywhere” policy. The study was conducted in two primary phases: (1) a comparative analysis of Thailand’s PHR system against nine leading digital health nations through a literature review and thematic analysis, categorized into three dimensions: Service Systems and User Access; Infrastructure and Technology; and Data Governance and Legal Frameworks; and (2) policy research utilizing the Ethnographic Delphi Futures Research (EDFR) method involving 30 Thai experts. Data were analyzed using content analysis and statistical tools to reach a consensus on critical issues and prioritize development strategies. The comparative findings indicated that: (1) Regarding Service Systems and User Access, Thailand demonstrated strength in reaching a broad user base through national platforms but needs to transition toward a more patient-centric model; (2) in terms of Infrastructure and Technology, the Thai system possessed a robust foundation with a flexible architecture and international data standards, facilitating efficient data exchange and scalability for emerging technologies; and (3) Data Governance and Law was identified as an area requiring urgent improvement, specifically through the enactment of specialized digital health data exchange legislation and the establishment of an independent, multi-sectoral regulatory body to ensure transparency and data protection standards. The expert survey further revealed a significant consensus that “Data Governance and Law” was the most critical dimension for PHR development. All expert groups reached a clear consensus that the highest priority was the expedited enactment of the “Digital Health Act,” which was viewed as the essential pillar for unlocking the system’s potential and fostering trust across all dimensions. Additionally, the research highlights the necessity of concurrently addressing other key areas, such as enhancing User Experience and User Interface (UX/UI) for inclusivity, investing in a National Health Information Exchange (HIE), and shifting policy from “promotion” to the “strict enforcement” of data exchange standards (HL7 FHIR).