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. (NNT)
