After endorsement of the Sustainable Development Goals in September, 2015, by world leaders for which “leaving no one behind” is top of the agenda, many countries are gearing towards universal health coverage (UHC). In view of the achievement in coverage of 98% of its population and expansion of benefits, Thailand's pioneering public health policies, implemented in 2002, have frequently been used as a showcase.1 Scientific evidence for success of the Thai UHC is plentiful. 14 years after introduction of UHC, Thailand has had a reduction in infant and child mortality, HIV infections, the effects of diabetes, and workers' sick days, as well as many other health benefits.