Doctors' incentives a hitA new quota system offering faster specialist training and higher pay attracts 446 applicants for 239 postsThe Ministry of Public Health says a new set of incentives aimed at sending doctors to shortage areas has attracted strong interest, with 446 medical graduates applying for 239 special-quota positions -- an oversubscription of around 87%. The ministry has doubled on-call allowances for those working outside official hours in designated areas and shortened the compulsory service period, allowing doctors to enter specialist training earlier than under the current system. It has also allocated 239 special-quota posts for the 2025 academic year cohort specifically for these high-need provinces. Dr Somruek said the response from soon-to-graduate medical students exceeded expectations, suggesting the revised benefits address key concerns among young doctors. He added some doctors serving their compulsory term in ministry hospitals have also requested transfers to the special promotion zones to take advantage of the new incentives.

Source: Bangkok Post March 15, 2026 22:30 UTC