15-2-2024 (BANGKOK) In a bid to instill confidence among international visitors, the Thai government has launched a pioneering campaign ensuring foreign tourists receive robust medical coverage and compensation in case of accidents within the country. Under this initiative, tourists will be eligible for medical coverage of up to 500,000 baht (S$18,600) for accidents and compensation of up to one million baht in the unfortunate event of death.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, during the campaign’s launch on Feb 14, emphasized that the collaboration between Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry and Public Health Ministry aimed to guarantee the well-being of foreign tourists during their stay in the kingdom.
The primary objective of the campaign is to enhance Thailand’s positive global image as a premier holiday destination. To fund this initiative, the Tourism and Sports Ministry has allocated 50 million baht from its budget for emergency expenses. This fund will be utilized on a case-by-case basis to compensate foreign tourists for incidents occurring between Jan 1 and Aug 31, 2024.
Coverage includes a maximum of one million baht per person in case of death, and 300,000 baht per person for permanent organ loss, loss of sight, or permanent disability. Medical expenses will be reimbursed based on the actual amount paid, not exceeding 500,000 baht.
However, tourists won’t be eligible for coverage if incidents result from their negligence, involvement in illegal activities, or engaging in risky behavior.
To apply for coverage, foreign visitors with tourist visas can submit necessary documents at provincial tourism and sports offices, tourist assistance centers at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, or through post and email.
Minister Sudawan expressed confidence that this campaign would not only bolster the positive perception of Thailand but also contribute to increased revenue from tourism. As of Feb 11, foreign arrivals stood at 4.3 million, putting the country on track to achieve its target of hosting 35 million foreign tourists in 2024.
The ministry has set an ambitious revenue target of 3.5 trillion baht for 2024, derived from the 35 million foreign tourists and approximately 205 million trips by Thai tourists.
This insurance program fills a void left by the dissolution of the Foreign Tourists Assistance Fund two years ago, as a proposed tourism fee for insurance and attraction development was indefinitely postponed.
While addressing the issue of a 300 baht landing fee for foreign arrivals, Minister Sudawan clarified that although the fee wouldn’t be implemented immediately, it wasn’t slated for cancellation. The ministry’s focus is currently on boosting arrival numbers and tourism spending in the aftermath of the Covid-19 impact.
Deputy Permanent Secretary Mongkon Wimonrat outlined that the Thailand Traveller Safety (TTS) platform would facilitate the insurance disbursement process. This online platform, accessible for non-Thai residents with tourist visas, collects data with provider consent, allowing expedited access for Thailand’s Tourist Police Bureau and National Institute for Emergency Medicine.
Tourists can claim medical expenses within 15 days of the incident, and compensation is expected to be disbursed within an additional 15 days.
