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DestinationsThe consideration arises following 400 tourist injuries and 185 fatalities recorded in 2023.

Thailand considers emergency coverage extension for tourists

By Travel Weekly Asia

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Apr 09, 2024

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A recent incident, where a Taiwanese tourist was refused entry to a private hospital post a severe car accident, highlights the necessity for enhanced emergency services.

A recent incident, where a Taiwanese tourist was refused entry to a private hospital post a severe car accident, highlights the necessity for enhanced emergency services. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/milkovasa

The Tourism and Sports Ministry and the National Institute for Emergency Medicine are considering extending the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP) programme to safeguard foreign tourists. The move responds to a rise in tourist injuries, particularly from road and water accidents.

Initiated by Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the proposal aims to integrate foreign tourists into Thailand's emergency medical services. This strategy seeks to enhance safety measures and solidify Thailand's status as a premier tourism destination.

Recent incidents, like a Taiwanese tourist being denied admission to a private hospital after a severe car crash, have underscored the need for improved emergency care. Statistics show that in 2023 alone, 400 tourists were injured, with 185 fatalities, mainly from road and water accidents.

By expanding the UCEP scheme to cover foreign tourists, the government aims to bolster their safety. The existing programme provides compensation of up to 1 million baht (US$27,300) for deaths and 500,000 baht (US$14,000) for injuries. The effectiveness of the scheme will be evaluated after its trial period, with 2 million baht (US$55,000) already disbursed in compensation by March.

Tourist safety concerns extend beyond emergency services. Non-compliance issues, such as inadequate regulation of vehicle rental shops and tourists neglecting safety rules, have been highlighted. Governments like Saudi Arabia have raised concerns over motorcycle accidents involving their citizens in popular tourist areas like Phuket and Pattaya.

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