The Tourism and Sports Ministry has allocated a budget of 50 million baht for the fiscal year 2024 to provide assistance to foreign tourists in the event of death or accidents.
The ministry stated that this budget is adequate to cover its target of 35 million foreign arrivals for the year, as the average annual claims in the past five years did not surpass this amount.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol highlighted the significance of the tourism industry as a major revenue driver. The ministry aims to ensure safety and security for foreign tourists.
As of February 11, there have been 4.3 million foreign arrivals, showing progress towards reaching the target of 35 million by the end of the year, according to Ms. Sudawan.
The 50 million baht allocation, sourced from a central budget, will be utilized to provide compensation to foreign visitors on a case-by-case basis during their travel in Thailand from January 1 to August 31 this year.
The maximum coverage includes 1 million baht per person in the event of death, and 300,000 baht per person for permanent organ loss, loss of sight, or permanent disability, with a maximum of 500,000 baht for medical expenses.
Tourists are eligible for coverage under the insurance program provided the incidents do not result from their negligence, involvement in illegal activities, or risky behavior. Eligible tourists must be visiting Thailand with a tourist visa or for tourism purposes.
The insurance program fills a void left by the expired Foreign Tourists Assistance Fund, which dissolved two years ago. A new tourism fee aimed at collecting funds for tourism insurance and the development of tourism attractions is expected to be implemented, although its timeline has been postponed indefinitely.
While the ministry has not planned to revoke the 300-baht tourism levy, it has been postponed for the next 5-6 months to boost the number of tourist arrivals and tourism spending.
Mongkon Wimonrat, the deputy permanent secretary of the ministry, expressed confidence in the budget sufficiency, citing that the annual average compensation should not surpass this amount.
From fiscal 2018 to 2022, the highest number of claims was in 2018, totaling 103 cases worth 52 million baht, primarily due to the boat capsizing off Phuket.
Mr. Mongkon stated that most foreign tourists typically purchase their own travel insurance before visiting Thailand. Group tourists are obliged to purchase travel insurance under the Tourism Business and Guide Act of 2008. Only a small number of independent tourists do not purchase travel insurance.
The compensation process requires tourists to cover their medical expenses initially, with reimbursement offered later. The Tourist Assistance Center operated by the Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports will aid tourists in claiming expenses within 15 days, with compensation expected within an additional 15 days.
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