Democracy and Difference Seminar Series 2016-17

Ilan Nam, Colgate University - Networks and Know-How: Delivering Universal Coverage in Thailand

In 2001, the Thaksin Shinawatra government of Thailand successfully implemented a universal health coverage scheme, which delivered health care to 30% of Thai citizens who formerly had had no access. Despite pessimistic predictions about the policy's outcomes, the universal health coverage scheme was remarkably successful and became Thaksin's flagship program. In addition to delivering universal health coverage, the reform also introduced significant bureaucratic change, engendered new political cleavages in Thailand, and arguably altered the landscape of Thai politics. This talk examines the critical role that new welfare actors composed of bureaucrats and NGOs played in designing, advocating for, and legislating the universal coverage scheme.

The Democracy and Difference Seminar Series is jointly supported by Blavatnik School of Government, Department of Politics and International Relations, and Nuffield College. Convened by Nancy Bermeo, Maya Tudor, Ezequiel Gonzalez Ocantos and Jody LaPorte.

Advanced sign-up is required – please email events@bsg.ox.ac.uk stating which sessions you will attend. Lunch is provided.