Thailand Extends Free Insurance for Tourists Until the end of 2024

This program provides up to THB 500,000 ($13,650) for medical expenses due to accidents or natural disasters and so on.

Launched earlier this year with a THB 50 million ($1.4 million) budget, the scheme was initially set to end in August but will now continue through December 31. Tourists can claim expenses within 15 days of an incident, with payments made within 15 days thereafter.

The insurance extension addresses rising medical costs for tourists lacking adequate coverage. For example, an Irish tourist faced a THB 6.6 million ($180,131) bill after contracting sepsis from a mosquito bite. The "Thailand Traveler Safety" system allows tourists to register online for this coverage before arrival.

Thailand aims to generate THB 3.5 trillion ($96 billion) in tourism revenue this year, targeting 40 million foreign tourists. The government has introduced new visa measures and scrapped a proposed THB 300 ($8.20) tourism fee.

To combat overtourism, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has urged the development of infrastructure and tourism offerings in less-visited provinces, promoting travel links between popular and second-tier destinations. This strategy seeks to distribute tourists more evenly and spread economic benefits across the country.

Source