Winai Puttakul’s research while affiliated with Kasetsart University and other places

Aims This study aimed to assess the operational efficiency of Sub-District or Tambon Health Promoting Hospitals (THPHs) in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and to propose management guidelines for future improvements. Background The current state of Thailand’s public health demonstrates that government policy has prioritized equal access to public health services in all areas. This increases the need for primary public health services, yet resources are limited and cannot be increased to meet the growing demand. The only effective way to address this issue is to develop the efficiency of public health operations. Methods The sample consisted of 104 THPHs in Chachoengsao, a province in Thailand’s EEC. Data for five input and seven output variables were collected between September 18 and November 15, 2023. An online survey was conducted to gather the required data for fiscal year 2022. Data envelopment analysis was used to measure the efficiency of THPHs. Findings The average efficiency index of the 104 THPHs was 0.9066, with about 60% having an efficiency index of 1.00. When classified by size, it was found that the efficiency levels of the THPHs grew with size, considering that the average efficiency index of the small, medium, and large THPHs was 0.8642, 0.9140, and 0.9417, respectively. The proportion of efficient THPHs also increased with size, at 58.14%, 60.00%, and 66.67%, respectively. Regarding efficiency improvement targets, small THPHs had the highest output targets (28.40%), followed by medium THPHs (15.31%) and large THPHs (9.91%). For the inefficient THPHs, some management guidelines were made to improve their future performances.

Background: Thailand's public health policy emphasizes equitable access to healthcare services, leading to a rapid increase in primary healthcare demands. Enhancing efficiency has become a crucial solution to address this challenge, especially amidst the constraints of limited resources. Aims: To measure the operational efficiency of sub-district or tambon health-promoting hospitals (THPHs) in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) by applying the mathematical technique of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and to identify best practices from efficient THPHs that can be applied to improve the operational efficiency of other THPHs. Methods: First, the operational efficiency of 104 THPHs in Chachoengsao, a province in EEC, was measured using the DEA method. Second, 13 efficient THPHs were selected as benchmarks for operational best practices. In-depth interviews were conducted with five individuals from each selected THPH, including the director and four key stakeholders. The interview data were analyzed and synthesized using directed content analysis to formulate a list of best practices. Finally, the identified best practices were evaluated using the Delphi technique to produce a final list of best practices to improve the operational efficiency of THPHs. Results: 76 best practices were initially generated from the content analysis of the benchmark interviews. However, after the Delphi experts' evaluation, 66 best practices met the required criteria (Mdn > 3.50 and IQR < 1.50) and were ultimately accepted as potential general strategies for improving the efficiency of THPHs. Of these, 35 best practices were related to input management, and 31 were related to output management.

The use of ethanol in Thailand as a substitute for imported fuel materials should receive public support if its performance on at least the following 3 aspects is justified: energy efficiency,environmental impacts,and economic evaluation. While a few domestic studies have provided evidence showing both positive and negative sides of ethanol in the aspects of energy and environment, this study focus is on an economic justification of the production and use of ethanol from cassava and sugarcane. A comparative evaluation is conducted throughout life cycle of an ethanol-blend fuel and a MTBE-blend fuel under study… namely, gasohol 95(E10) and benzene 95, respectively. The economic evaluation technique employed is cost-benefit analysis. The study results indicate the use of ethanol as a substitute for MTBE in octane 95 fuel is economiacally justified, with most of the benefits is due to import substitution and less proportion due to enviromemtal cleaness.