A £1.1 million fund has been set up in Thailand to compensate foreign tourists who suffer accidents or loss when visiting the country.
The 50 million baht scheme will be used to provide relief to foreign tourists on a case-by-case basis in the event of accidents, crimes, and other “unfortunate events” or disasters.
The initiative was revealed by the Thailand tourism and public health ministries in Bangkok.
The medical funding aims to assist international tourists in case of accidents when travelling in the country.
“But it must not be caused by tourists’ carelessness, intention to commit illegal acts or have circumstances that risk causing the incident,” a Tourism Authority of Thailand statement said.
“Foreign tourists are eligible for coverage if they have valid passports and must be visiting Thailand by August 31 with a tourist visa or for the purpose of tourism only.”
Compensation under the ‘assistance scheme for foreign tourist injury and casualty’ was approved by the government “as part of our ongoing efforts to assure tourist safety and boost tourist confidence in Thailand,” said tourism and sports minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol (pictured).
Atchariya Pangma, secretary general of the Thai National Institute of Emergency Medicine, added: “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 co-operation will also promote the efficiency and quality of our emergency medical systems for the maximum benefit of tourists.”