Migrant health and communicable disease control in a high-mobility border setting in Thailand: A systems-based case study of TB, HIV, Malaria, and child immunization
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59096/wesr.v57i4.7312Keywords:
Migrant health, Cross-border health system, Communicable disease control, Border health, ThailandAbstract
Background: Thailand is a major destination for migrants in the Greater Mekong Subregion, where cross-border mobility presents persistent challenges to the control of communicable diseases, continuity of care, and national health security, particularly in high-mobility border areas.
Methods: This study applied a descriptive qualitative design with quantitative descriptive components. National surveillance data and sentinel epidemiological evidence from Tak Province were synthesized alongside qualitative findings from stakeholder consultations convened by the Department of Disease Control in December 2025, focusing on tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and pediatric immunization.
Results: Migrants accounted for a substantial share of tuberculosis and malaria cases, with disease burden concentrated along the Thailand–Myanmar border. Beyond epidemiological patterns, qualitative analysis identified four cross-cutting system gaps including 1) fragmented health information systems, 2) financing instability 3) structural barriers to insurance and service access, and 4) workforce and communication constraints. These findings informed a strategic framework comprising four interlinked pillars, including 1) biometric health identification, 2) integrated disease control service packages 3) operationalization of existing cross-border coordination mechanisms, and 4) strengthened community-based bilingual health workforce capacity.
Discussion: The findings highlighted that effective communicable disease control among migrant populations required system-level integration rather than disease-specific interventions alone. Aligning surveillance, financing, governance, and cross-border coordination mechanisms is essential to strengthen treatment continuity and enhance Thailand’s national and regional health security.
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