Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health Commits to Preventing and Managing Hospital Violence, Promoting Safe Spaces in Society
The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) announced a commitment to preventing and managing violence in hospitals through the STOP Violence initiative, aiming to make hospitals exemplary safe spaces for society. Between 2017 and 2024, there were 101 incidents of violence in hospitals and emergency rooms, mostly involving intoxicated individuals damaging property or assaulting staff. In collaboration with partner networks, the ministry has established safety management systems to ensure the security of both healthcare workers and patients, while encouraging societal participation in reducing harassment and violence.
The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) announced a commitment to preventing and managing violence in hospitals through the STOP Violence initiative, aiming to make hospitals exemplary safe spaces for society. Between 2017 and 2024, there were 101 incidents of violence in hospitals and emergency rooms, mostly involving intoxicated individuals damaging property or assaulting staff. In collaboration with partner networks, the ministry has established safety management systems to ensure the security of both healthcare workers and patients, while encouraging societal participation in reducing harassment and violence.
On 18 September 2025, at the IMPACT Forum Convention Center in Muang Thong Thani, the MOPH held a workshop on Preventing and Managing Hospital Violence (STOP Violence), with over 300 executives, healthcare personnel, and network partners participating. The event featured a keynote lecture on “Enhancing Safety in Healthcare Facilities as a National Agenda” and a joint declaration outlining commitments to hospital safety:
1.Zero tolerance for all forms of violence—verbal, threatening, or physical acts against personnel and property in healthcare facilities.
2.Strengthening collaboration across all sectors to create a robust and seamless safety system.
3.Developing systematic approaches to prevent, respond to, and support staff affected by violence.
4.Promoting public understanding that quality healthcare can only occur when healthcare personnel are safe.
Data from the Ministry of Public Health indicate that from 2017 to 2024, violent incidents in hospitals and emergency rooms—often involving intoxicated individuals—created unsafe work environments, negatively impacting staff morale and service quality. To address this, the ministry has implemented safety management systems, enhanced staff preparedness, increased community engagement, and fostered public awareness that hospitals are safe spaces for all.
Specific safety measures include developing reporting, prevention, and follow-up systems at all healthcare facilities; installing 24-hour CCTV and controlled access points; providing safe and orderly family waiting areas; and implementing alarm systems and emergency communication channels linked to police, local authorities, volunteer networks, and relevant foundations. Facilities are also required to conduct post-incident reporting and rehabilitation, as well as emergency drills. Strict legal measures will be enforced in cases of hospital violence to ensure hospitals serve as models of safe spaces in society, providing quality care to patients and a secure working environment for staff, while encouraging societal cooperation to reduce threatening and violent behaviors.
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