The Thai government has initiated a health insurance and compensation program for foreign tourists affected by accidents in the country. The decision comes as part of efforts to rebuild the tourism industry after the COVID-19 pandemic.
From January 1 to August 31, 2024, tourists will be able to claim compensation for medical expenses up to 500,000 baht (about US$14,000). In case of fatalities, relatives will receive 1 million baht (about $28,000). Loss of limbs or disability entitles to a lump sum payment of 300,000 baht.
To process the compensation, it is necessary to confirm the status of a tourist and the absence of income from work in Thailand. Registration takes place on a special Thailand Traveller Safety website. Applications are accepted through online forms, mail or in person at government offices. Payments are not made for injuries due to the negligence of the tourist.
Government support for tourism recovery
The pandemic has hit Thailand's tourism industry hard. The number of arrivals in 2022 was 28 million, well below the pre-pandemic level of 40 million.
The government has allocated 50 million baht from an emergency fund for an insurance program. The aim is to regain tourists' confidence and encourage them to spend more in the country. The tourism minister said it was important to take care of guests' safety.
Authorities plan to attract 35 million foreigners and 205 million domestic tourists by 2024. The expected revenue from the industry is expected to reach 3.5 trillion baht. The Prime Minister emphasized that hospitality and comfortable conditions form a positive image of Thailand.
Risks for young tourists
Recently, reports of foreigners with serious injuries and inadequate medical insurance have increased. Young tourists seeking adrenaline and entertainment are particularly vulnerable.
Thailand traditionally attracts young people from all over the world with its beaches, sun and fun. But active vacations and extreme entertainment carry increased risks of accidents. In some situations, tourists face huge medical bills.
The new state program is designed to solve this problem and protect the country's guests from financial losses in case of injuries. It will ease tourists' fears and attract more young people to Thailand. Restoring tourist traffic is crucial for the economy and job creation in this sector.
Author of the article: Ekaterina Antonova
