What is the 'five-disease' medical certificate? Who needs it and how it's assessed
The five prohibited diseases on a Thai medical certificate: what they are, why they are listed, how the certificate is used for jobs, driving licences and government posts, and how the doctor assesses them.
'Five-disease certificate' is the everyday name for the Thai Medical Council medical certificate, on which the doctor certifies that the applicant shows no signs of five groups of disease, a requirement drawn from civil-service rules and several laws. Many people worry they will need blood tests for all five. They won't; below is how the doctor assesses them.
Key takeaways
- The five diseases are: leprosy in its infectious stage, tuberculosis in its dangerous stage, elephantiasis with visible symptoms, narcotic drug addiction and chronic alcoholism.
- The certificate is used for private-sector jobs, civil-service applications, study, driving licences and many other official documents.
- The doctor assesses mainly by history and physical examination; no blood test is needed unless the organisation requires extra items.
- At Mongkhondee Clinic it is examined and issued the same day for 200 baht.
The five diseases
| Disease | Why it is on the form | How the doctor assesses it |
|---|---|---|
| Leprosy in its infectious stage or with socially objectionable symptoms | A chronic infectious disease with skin and nerve lesions | Skin examination for patches, numbness or hand/foot deformity |
| Tuberculosis in its dangerous stage | Airborne transmission while symptomatic | History of chronic cough, fever, weight loss; chest auscultation; X-ray only if suspected |
| Elephantiasis with socially objectionable symptoms | A parasitic disease causing permanent swelling of limbs or organs | Examination for swelling consistent with the disease |
| Narcotic drug addiction | Affects safety at work and when driving | History and observation; urine test only if the organisation requires it |
| Chronic alcoholism | Affects capacity and safety | History of drinking and withdrawal, and a relevant physical examination |
All five have signs that a doctor can assess from history and physical examination, so a standard five-disease certificate needs no blood test and takes little time.
Who needs it
- Private-sector job applicants whose employer uses the Medical Council form
- Civil-service exam and appointment candidates, whose regulations list similar prohibited diseases
- Anyone applying for or renewing a driving licence. See medical certificate for a driving licence
- Students, reserve-training cadets and applicants for certain professional licences
The process at the clinic
Register with your ID card, fill in the applicant's health-history section, then a nurse measures blood pressure, pulse, weight and height. The doctor takes a history, examines you and completes the doctor's section. It does not take long when the clinic is not busy. Details are on the medical certificate service page.
If the organisation's form has extra boxes, such as a chest X-ray or drug-test result, send a photo of the form on LINE first so we can plan which items can be done at the clinic immediately and which need lab results or a hospital.
Can I get one if I have a chronic condition?
Common conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, allergies or thyroid disease are not among the five prohibited diseases. The doctor records them truthfully in the history and can still certify that no signs of the five diseases are present. What the doctor cannot certify is anything that cannot be verified, or conceal a condition the organisation requires to be disclosed.
Good to know: If you are already being followed up for a chronic condition, a certificate visit is a good moment to review your medication and blood pressure at the same time. See chronic condition care.
Frequently asked questions
Usually not. The doctor assesses from history and examination, and tests further only if something is suspected or the organisation requires an extra item such as a urine drug test.
Related services
Related articles
Sources
- Medical certificate form approved by the Thai Medical Council, 2018 Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health
- Civil Service Commission Rules on Diseases, B.E. 2566 (2023) Office of the Civil Service Commission
This content is general information and does not replace an examination, diagnosis or personal advice from a doctor. Published 20 September 2026
Everyone's health is different
If you have a health condition, take regular medication, are pregnant or have unusual symptoms, let a doctor assess you first. Message us on LINE.
