Universal sanitation - Thailand experiences

Thailand has achieved a remarkable success on the coverage of safe drinking water and sanitary means of excreta disposal in the rural areas. By 1999, 91.94 % rural population has access to safe drinking water supply and 98.11% rural families have built and use sanitary latrines after more than five decades’ endeavour with support from WHO, UNICEF, UNDP and USAID in the early years. The success in providing safe drinking water and improved environmental sanitation is greatly attributed to the farsightedness and determination of the Thai Government for sustainable development of rural areas and the protection of environment. Strong political will and commitment of government functionaries at all levels to implement the rural water supply and environmental sanitation programmes strengthened with intensive health education for behaviour change added momentum in achieving the universal sanitation before the dawn of the 21st century. This paper presents the strategy and lessons learnt in Thailand for Universal Sanitation and Health for All.