New Insurance Policy Proposed to Enhance Thai Tourism Safety

PRESS RELEASE:

The government is sidelining the 300-baht tourism fee and focusing on a comprehensive insurance plan for foreign tourists, addressing safety concerns. The plan, proposed by the Tourism and Sports Ministry, includes up to 500,000 baht coverage for injuries and 1 million baht for accidental deaths.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has instructed the ministry to create an insurance policy covering all tourists aimed at reinforcing Thailand’s reputation as a safe travel destination. The government’s new approach replaces the earlier fee proposal and is expected to involve a larger budget than the initially suggested 50 million baht.

This initiative follows the dissolution of the Foreign Tourists Assistance Fund, which previously provided accident compensation to tourists. The Prime Minister has also emphasized the need for collaboration between the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the Public Health Ministry, along with increased oversight by the Royal Thai Police over immigration and tourist police.

Providing comprehensive insurance is seen as a crucial step in boosting tourist confidence, especially following recent incidents highlighting safety issues. Thai Hotels Association President Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi has expressed her support for the plan, underscoring the need for transparent communication about the compensation details for different medical scenarios.

The preceding is a press release from the Thai Government PR Department.

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Goongnang Suksawat
Goong Nang is a News Translator who has worked professionally for multiple news organizations in Thailand for many years and has worked with The Pattaya News for five years. Specializes primarily in local news for Phuket, Pattaya, and also some national news, with emphasis on translation between Thai to English and working as an intermediary between reporters and English-speaking writers. Originally from Nakhon Si Thammarat, but lives in Phuket and Krabi except when commuting between the three.