Thailand has unveiled an ambitious plan to entice tourists back to its shores by offering substantial medical coverage in case of accidents.
The scheme, announced by Tourism Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol , aims to provide visitors with up to US$14,000 in medical expenses and compensation of up to one million baht (US$ 28,000) in the unfortunate event of death.
The initiative, known as the Thailand Traveller Safety Scheme, commenced on January 1 and is slated to continue until August 31. It comes as Thailand’s tourism sector continues to reel from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, with arrivals still lagging behind pre-pandemic figures despite efforts to reinvigorate the industry.
Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol emphasized that the campaign seeks to reassure foreign tourists about their safety in the Asian country and ensure that they receive proper care.
This move is particularly significant given Thai popularity among young backpackers drawn to its beaches, adventure sports, and vibrant culture.
However, the scheme comes with caveats. It will not cover accidents resulting from negligence, intentional acts, illegal behavior, or risky activities. Interested tourists can register for the program through the Thailand Traveller Safety website.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Thailand remains optimistic about its tourism recovery. In 2023, the country welcomed 28 million visitors, a significant increase from the previous year’s 11 million but still well below the pre-pandemic peak of 40 million in 2019. Officials are targeting 35 million visitors in 2024, with an ambitious revenue goal of $55 billion.
