Comparing the socioeconomic status - Health gradient among adults 50 and older across rural and urban areas of Thailand in 1994 and 2007

► Overall, health improved in Thailand for those 50 and older between 1994 and 2007. ► A self-assessed health gradient by several socioeconomic indicators remained in place in 1994 and 2007. ► The nature of the gradient however changed across rural and urban areas, becoming flatter in rural areas and remaining virtually the same in urban areas. ► Part of the explanation for a flatter gradient in rural areas may be policies dedicated to increasing access to health services to older adults in Thailand. ► These results are based on a probability sample of over 70,000 individuals.