Yes, home births are legally permissible in Thailand under strict conditions outlined in the Public Health Act B.E. 2535 (1992) and Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) Notification No. 321 (2016). While not outright banned, compliance with midwifery licensing, facility standards, and emergency transfer protocols is mandatory. The 2026 amendments to the Midwifery Profession Act further tighten oversight, requiring home birth providers to register with provincial health offices and adhere to MOPH’s 2025 antenatal/postnatal care guidelines.
Key Regulations for Home Births in Thailand
- Licensed Midwifery Requirement: Only certified midwives (registered under the Midwifery Profession Act) may attend home births. Unlicensed attendants face penalties under Criminal Code Section 268 for unauthorized medical practice.
- Facility Standards: Homes must meet MOPH’s Home Birth Facility Standards (2025), including sterile equipment, emergency oxygen, and direct access to a licensed hospital within 30 minutes for high-risk cases.
- Mandatory Transfer Agreements: Providers must secure written agreements with nearby hospitals for emergency cesarean sections or neonatal intensive care, per MOPH Circular 2024/03. Failure to comply voids liability protections.