Bangkok (TAN): Thailand is expected to introduce compulsory travel insurance for foreign visitors arriving in the country later this year, reports said.
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The country’s Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) reportedly said tourists would have to pay a 20-baht premium at airport immigration offices which will go towards Thailand’s Tourism Promotion Fund for coverage of payments in case of claims.
The insurance will cover up to one million baht in the event of death for a maximum duration of 30 days.
The proposal was initiated to bolster confidence in travellers, since Thailand’s reputation for tourist safety has been under the scanner following recent accidents involving foreigners. While several tourists died after a boat sank in Phuket last year, a Canadian tourist died in a zip line accident in Chiang Mai earlier this year.
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The legislation needs to be approved by the Tourism and Sports Ministry before it can be sent to the cabinet.
Tourism is a major contributor to Thai economy, of which revenue earned from international tourists constitute a big share.
