IHRI and its partners have launched HARMONY Thailand to develop gender-affirming hormone services through community health clinics, with NHSO support to connect Universal Coverage Scheme benefits with local care.
On 21 October 2026, the Institute of HIV Research and Innovation (IHRI), the Center of Excellence in Transgender Health at Chulalongkorn University (CETH), and partner organizations launched HARMONY Thailand at the Mandarin Hotel in Samyan, Bangkok. Supported by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), the project aims to develop a community clinic model for gender-affirming hormone services and improve access to benefits under Thailand’s national health security system.
Turning health benefits into safe, welcoming care
The project seeks to help transgender people access safe, continuous and welcoming care close to their communities. It aims to reduce out-of-pocket costs and the risks associated with using hormones without medical supervision, while respecting every service user’s dignity.
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) is supporting the connection between benefits under the Universal Coverage Scheme, also known as the Gold Card scheme, and local services. This includes support for provider registration, data recording and reimbursement so that participating clinics that meet the required readiness criteria can deliver covered services. These include hormones on the specified list, safety monitoring and counseling.
Policy agencies, health professionals and transgender communities are working together to prepare community health clinics, including their staff, service standards, laboratory testing and referral systems.
From policy to equitable access
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. Nittaya Phanuphak, Executive Director of IHRI, followed by the official opening by Dr. Pairoj Saonuam of ThaiHealth. Rena Janamnuaysook of IHRI then introduced the project and its approach.
A key highlight was a panel on moving from policy to equitable access to health services and the next steps for gender-affirming hormone care. Moderated by Dr. Jakkrapatara Boonruang and Vitchayada Sripoonbun of IHRI, the discussion brought together:
- Dr. Pairoj Saonuam, Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth)
- Dr. Nonglak Yodmongkol, National Health Security Office (NHSO)
- Associate Professor Dr. Ammarin Suwan, Center of Excellence in Transgender Health, Chulalongkorn University
- Kwanlada “Rock” Rungroj-ampa, Miss Tiffany’s Universe 2020
- Associate Professor Dr. Theerapat Ungsuchaval, Mahidol University
- JJ (เจเจ โชติเชาว์จารุ), a representative of the transgender men’s community
- Bang-on (บังอร สุภาเกตุ), Department of Health
Planning services around local needs
Participants also joined organizational breakout sessions to plan gender-affirming hormone services in their own areas. They considered service gaps and barriers, factors that could support implementation, communication plans, and the support needed from government agencies and partner networks.
Building a model for wider access
HARMONY Thailand aims to take the service model, training curriculum and evidence developed with the first group of pilot clinics and extend them to community health clinics across the country. Its goal is to translate covered benefits into accessible, continuous care for transgender people.
HARMONY Thailand is supported by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth).
Acknowledgments and sources
We thank the Institute of HIV Research and Innovation (IHRI), the National Health Security Office (NHSO), the event organizers and HARMONY Thailand partners for the information and photographs used in this article.
Sources and further reading
Primary and authoritative sources used for context and fact-checking.
- Frequently asked questions on sexual and gender diversity, health and human rights World Health Organization (WHO)
- The Thai Handbook of Transgender Healthcare Services IHRI & Center of Excellence in Transgender Health, Chulalongkorn University
- Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8 World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
- Consolidated guidelines on HIV, viral hepatitis and STI for key populations (2022) World Health Organization (WHO)
- STI Treatment Guidelines: Transgender and Gender Diverse Persons U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)