Thursday, February 15, 2024
The Ministry of Tourism and Sport (MOTS), partnering with the National Institute of Emergency Medicine (NIEM) under the Ministry of Public Health, has unveiled a medical funding of 50 million Baht. This funding aims to provide assistance to foreign tourists in the event of accidents during their travels in Thailand.
Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said “The Prime Minister and Finance Minister, H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin, has approved the compensation payments for tourists in the case of accidents or loss. Thus, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has initiated the “Assistance Scheme for Foreign Tourist Injury and Casualty” as part of our ongoing efforts to assure tourist safety and boost tourist confidence in Thailand.”
The allocation of 50 million Baht aims to offer relief to foreign tourists on a case-by-case basis in incidents such as accidents, crimes, and unforeseen disasters. However, eligibility excludes situations resulting from tourists’ negligence, intentional illegal acts, or circumstances posing risks of incidents.
Foreign tourists qualify for coverage provided they possess valid passports and are in Thailand between January 1st and August 31st, 2024, holding either a tourist visa or engaging in tourism activities exclusively.
Compensation includes up to 1 million Baht in case of death, 300,000 Baht for permanent organ loss, loss of sight, or permanent disability, and a maximum of 500,000 Baht for accident-related medical expenses.
To streamline the process, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) has introduced the “Thailand Traveller Safety” (TTS) system, enabling tourists to register online before their trip to Thailand for tourism or with a tourist visa.
“As well as the MOTS, the TTS system can also be accessed by the Tourist Police and the NIEM for initial screening of tourists whether they are eligible to apply for relief. Data collection is done discreetly under Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act,” Mr. Mongkon Wimonrat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the MOTS, said.
The NIEM has suggested setting up a Tourist Emergency Medical Assistance Centre (TEMAC). If foreign tourists encounter accidents or health emergencies, TEMAC can collaborate with MOTS’s Tourist Assistance Center (TAC), the Tourist Police Hotline 1155, or the NIEM Hotline 1669 to confirm their eligibility for compensation under the scheme and direct them to hospitals for medical care.
Flt. Lt. Dr. Atchariya Pangma, Secretary-General of NIEM, said “By pooling our resources together to ensure tourists receive emergency medical services in time will help boost confidence among tourists regarding Thailand’s safety standards. The cooperation will also promote the efficiency and quality of our emergency medical systems for the maximum benefit of tourists.”
Currently, the Tourist Police is managing the Command and Control Operation Centre (CCOC) and implementing the Strong Tourism Community (STC) initiatives. These efforts align with the guidelines for the Smart Safety Zone project, integrating technology to ensure the safety of tourists.
“The Tourist Police is committed to helping create peace of mind for foreign tourists regarding safety. These include emphasising strict law enforcement, suppressing exploitation of tourists and solving the problem of fraud to boost tourist confidence in Thailand,” Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Pheuk-um, Commissioner of the Tourist Police, said.
Tourists seeking assistance under the “Assistance Scheme for Foreign Tourist Injury and Casualty” project can apply by submitting their applications at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Provincial Tourism and Sports Office (nationwide), or the Tourist Assistance Centre at Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport (available 24/7).
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
