A similar initiative was already proposed a year ago by a committee of the Tourism and Sports Ministry but nothing turned out of it. This time the officials went further and offered to provide (only) the Chinese tourists with GPS tracking braclets to make it possible to locate them in case they get lost by any reason while vacationing in Thailand.
Hospitals and medical institutions in Thailand carry a burden of costs of medical treatment of those tourists who get injured or fall ill during thier stay in Thailand and are unable to pay their bills due to the absence of travel insurance. The requirement of mandatory insurance for tourists will definitely make things easier for authorities and hospitals and ensure the tourists will get proper medical help when necessary.
The suggestion is obviously promted by the recent Phuket boat tragedy but does it really aim at improving safety of tourists?
WIll Travel to Thailand Require Mandatory Travel Insurance Soon?
News in Asia
A new attempt to oblige all foreigners to buy travel insurance before travelling to Thailand has been suggested this week at the Thai Chic Travel Fair seminar. Will it work out well this time?