Thailand Government Medical Coverage for Tourist Accidents

Visiting Thailand but unable to purchase insurance beforehand? No worries! For trips and tours until December 31, Thailand's government now offers Thailand tourists medical coverage for up to THB 500,000 ($13,650) in case of accidents and natural disasters.  

A brief of Thailand

Traveling to Thailand, anyone and everyone can find themselves an activity that they prefer. From beach holidays in the warm sun with refreshing cocktails to trekking journeys across lands, experiencing first hand the nature and wildlife of Thailand, meeting their famous gentle giants. 

Extending even further to various trips visiting their classic highlights. Seeing Golden temples and authentic architectural buildings, Thailand also generously offers chances for foodies eager to test one’s palette with the unique sweet and spicy Thai dishes. 

Captivating landscapes in Thailand (Source: Local Vietnam) 

Naturally, Thailand has always offered warm welcomes and generous hospitality towards tourists traveling to Thailand. The Thai government and the people alike as well. Starting from February, 2024, Thai government has confirmed to launch a new campaign to enhance tourists’ confidence when traveling to Thailand. 

Read more: Great news for travelers: Thailand extends public holidays in 2025

Thai government and their campaign to encourage tourism

The campaign is a collaboration between Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) and the National Institute of Emergency Medicine (NIEM) under the Ministry of Public Health. It aims to assure foreign tourists that they will be properly taken care of while they are in the kingdom, Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said.

The launch of the campaign aims to encourage tourism (Source: Travel Trade Journal.)

The Minister explained that the campaign’s goal is to strengthen the positive image of Thailand as a global vacation destination. Initially, the ministry had set aside 50 million baht to fund the scheme. 

The money will come from the ministry’s budget for emergency expenses. It will be used to compensate foreign tourists on a case-by-case basis during their travel and stay in Thailand between the period January 1 and August 31 this year, she said.

Specifically, the Thai government introduces compensation of up to THB 1 million ($27,300) in the event of death, and up to THB 500,000 ($13,861) for incidents resulting in loss of organs or permanent disabilities. The campaign has now been extended until December 31. 

Compensation goes up to 500,000Thai Baht (Source: Corporate Finance Institute)

In the case of accidents or natural disasters, Thailand tourists can claim medical expenses within 15 days of the incident and compensation is expected to be paid 15 days after that. Tourists will not be eligible for the coverage if the incidents are ruled as risky or careless behavior, or an intention to participate in illegal activity.

For individuals wanting to apply for Thailand tourists medical coverage, foreigners holding a tourist visa can submit documents at the provincial tourism and sports offices, or at tourist assistance centers located in Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports. Applications can be submitted via both post and e-mail.

Tourist assistance center is in Don Mueang Airport (Source: Blog Airpaz)

The positive effects of the campaign

Regarding the effects of this campaign to Thai tourists and their experiences coming to Thailand, the government’s offer to pay medical expenses for visitors has already gained a positive outlook from both Thai people and foreigners intending to visit the country.

Improved public image

The campaign, firstly, projects an image of Thailand prioritizing their tourists safety and well-being. This can certainly enhance the country's reputation as a safe and responsible destination for travelling. The scheme reflects how Thailand is actively promoting responsible tourism.

Furthermore, the public can clearly see how their government is reinforcing and prioritizing both transparency and communication.

Increased tourists feeling of safety

The efforts of Thai government goes deeper than just trying to improve the public image. Their ultimate goal targets tourists’ concerns regarding financial issues and questions about the cost to travel to Thailand.

Once the government has confirmed to cover these expenses for the Thai tourists, naturally, their concerns and worries are significantly alleviated, thus making tourists feel more secure and encouraged to visit Thailand. 

Bangkok is one of Thailand’s top travel destinations (Source: Hoteles)

Tourism profits and revenues boost

With more tourists feeling secure on their trips and assured of safe travel to Thailand, hence, the campaign resulted in increased profits and numbers in the tourism industry. Thai tourism industry could see a significant upsurge in the revenue for businesses as well as job opportunities.

Regarding tourists who value safety, responsibility, and a positive travel experience, this scheme will allow Thailand to appear as a more attractive option when it comes to traveling for them.

Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol had also said that the ministry believed that the campaign would help boost profit and revenue for tourism. She added that foreign arrivals as of February 11 this year totalled 4.3 million, putting the country on track to achieve the target of 35 million foreign tourists overall in the year 2024.

The Thai ministry has set a revenue target of 2024 at 3.5 trillion baht from these 35 million foreign tourists and the 205 million trips made by Thai tourists.

Thai ministry’s deputy secretary Mongkon Wimonrat (Source: Thansettakij)

The ministry’s deputy permanent secretary Mongkon Wimonrat has also stated that the ministry will leverage its Thailand Traveller Safety (TTS) platform to efficiently facilitate the disbursement of insurance and medical coverage to foreign tourists. The platform offers online registration for non-Thai residents with tourist visas.

Conclusion

Altogether, this campaign evidently indicates that the Thai government indeed shows deep care and consideration for both visitors and its public image. Tourists traveling to Thailand can definitely be assured that their trip will not only be a safe and secure vacation but also an interesting and memorable experience.

With their great attentiveness and care for foreign tourists, visiting Thailand will be a wonderful choice now more than ever! Don’t hesitate to contact Asia King Travel if you’re planning to visit the charismatic land of smiles - Thailand!

Read more: Thailand gets largest number of foreign tourists in Southeast Asia 2024