Evaluation of the implementation of the communicable disease act B.E. 2558 (2015): key lessons and directions for the development of Thailand’s disease control system

Authors

  • Supinda Teerarat Division of Communicable Disease, Department of Disease Control
  • Kanyarat Phungprayoon Division of Communicable Disease, Department of Disease Control
  • Wanida Tansakun Division of Communicable Disease, Department of Disease Control
  • Thanittha Chanpila Division of Communicable Disease, Department of Disease Control
  • Siriporn Kashan Division of Communicable Disease, Department of Disease Control
  • Noppadon Chodprawit Division of Communicable Disease, Department of Disease Control
  • Sirima Mongkolsomlit Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14456/dcj.2026.10

Keywords:

communicable disease act B.E. 2558 (2015), national action plan for communicable disease surveillance, prevention, and control B.E. 2566-2570 (2023-2027), outcome evaluation, disease control system, public health policy

Abstract

This mixed-methods study aimed to evaluate the implementation of the Communicable Disease Act B.E. 2558 (2015) and the National Action Plan for Communicable Disease Surveillance, Prevention, and Control B.E. 2566-2570 (2023-2027) at the mid-term stage, in order to derive lessons learned and
develop policy recommendations for strengthening Thailand’s disease control system. Quantitative data were collected from key performance indicators, while qualitative data were obtained through document review and in-depth interviews with 66 stakeholders across six provinces: Chiang Rai, Kanchanaburi, Chonburi, Bangkok, Songkhla, and Ubon Ratchathani. Quantitative findings demonstrated progress in several indicators, including the development of subordinate legislation, strengthening of surveillance systems, and enhanced performance of Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs). Qualitative findings revealed that Thailand has established strong disease control mechanisms—such as Provincial Communicable Disease Committees, Communicable Disease Control Units, and Surveillance and Rapid Response Teams (SRRTs)—as well as active community networks that contributed to timely epidemic response. However, key challenges remain, including structural complexity, limited confidence among Communicable Disease Control Officers in exercising legal authority, and constraints related to human resources, budgets, and information systems. Based on the findings, three strategic directions are proposed to strengthen Thailand’s disease control system: (1) Decentralize, by empowering local authorities and modernizing legal mechanisms; (2) Digitalize, by advancing integrated information systems and digital technologies to enhance surveillance and emergency response; and (3) Collaborate, by fostering multisectoral partnerships and promoting multilingual public communication. These strategies are expected to enhance the flexibility, efficiency, and long-term sustainability of Thailand’s disease control system.

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References

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Published

2026-03-28

How to Cite

1.
Teerarat S, Phungprayoon K, Tansakun W, Chanpila T, Kashan S, Chodprawit N, Mongkolsomlit S. Evaluation of the implementation of the communicable disease act B.E. 2558 (2015): key lessons and directions for the development of Thailand’s disease control system. Dis Control J [internet]. 2026 Mar. 28 [cited 2026 Apr. 6];52(1):113-24. available from: https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/DCJ/article/view/282726

Issue

Vol. 52 No. 1 (2026): January-March

Section

Original Article

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