Each Thai visa or permission of stay has its own health regulations.
Following the failure of an injured Brit to obtain free hospital treatment in Thailand, British insurers are calling for clarity. Jonathon Cobb, 28, was injured when he fell off his motorcycle in Pattaya and broke his arm plus facial injuries. He told Pattaya Mail he was advised to go to a local hospital as the Thai government had granted cost-free treatment to foreigners as long as they held a tourist visa. Cover exists for up to one million baht, or 28,000 pounds, according to specific injuries or (at worst) death on a case-by-case, discretionary basis.
But John was told by hospital administrators as well as by police officers that he was not covered by the government grant and must pay his own bills. The Health Insurance for Non Thais or HINT scheme specifically excludes those who show "negligence, intent, illegal acts or risky behavior". John's problem was that he was not wearing a crash helmet, but his parents in UK paid the 300,000 baht or 7,000 pounds final bill. He also had to pay the rental company 30,000 baht or 700 pounds for damage to the bike.
UK-based insurers Worldwide Travelling said the Thai government scheme mainly covers compensation for death or loss of limbs or organs, but the bureaucracy is confusing. A Thai tourist ministry website gives a specific internet address for registration which appears to have been hacked. The actual data base for claims is with the Tourist Police Bureau and the National Institute for Emergency Medicine, although few foreigners are aware. The central medical fund of 50 million baht, in place till the end of 2024, is apparently underspent to date according to the tourist and sports ministry.
As visitor numbers to Thailand rise, medical insurance becomes ever more significant.
More broadly, say Worldwide Travelling, Thailand's requirements for medical insurance need updating. There is now a visa valid for five years, known as Destination Visa Thailand, which is technically a "tourist" permit but probably does not qualify for free accident cover as it offers an initial stay of 180 days. The 5-20 years Elite or Privilege Visa does not need hospital cover, but the 10-year Long Term Residence visa requires cover of US$50,000, or a Thai bank account showing a US$100,000 bond for an extended period. Foreign retirees with one type of yearly visa, known as OA, require medical insurance on an ongoing basis, whilst those with the similar O type do not. The difference is that OA is initially awarded by a Thai embassy abroad whereas the O is an annual extension of stay issued by a different agency – the immigration police. Other visas not requiring medical insurance are annual extensions for foreigners married to Thais and permits to study the Thai language. However, foreigners with a Department of Employment work permit must pay a small proportion of their salary to be included in the Thai social security s scheme.
Immigration lawyer Jessataporn Bunnag said, "The government in recent years has introduced a host of different entry choices for tourists and longstay expats to increase treasury income. However there has been little coordination which has led to confusion." He pointed to a government working party which is currently examining various visas including those specifically catering for retirees. There has been no announcement or news since the establishment of the committee last July.
Recent events have highlighted a pressing issue that has left many tourists in Thailand perplexed: medical insurance coverage. Jonathon Cobb, a 28-year-old tourist from the UK, uncovered this muddle firsthand. While travelling in Pattaya, Cobb suffered a severe accident after falling from a motorcycle, resulting in a broken arm and facial injuries.
Under the impression that the Thai government offered free medical treatment to foreigners holding tourist visas, he sought assistance, only to find out otherwise. Though the Thai government does provide coverage under the Health Insurance for Non-Thais (HINT) scheme, specifics seem to elude many.
Cobb's insurance was denied due to a clause excluding incidents involving "negligence, intent, illegal acts or risky behaviour," exacerbated by his lack of a crash helmet, reported Barry Kenyon for Pattaya Mail
The scheme covers amounts up to one million baht, roughly £28,000, but his case didn't qualify. Ultimately, Cobb's family faced a hospital bill of approximately £7,000, besides another £700 for motorcycle damages. The scenario has drawn attention to the broader misunderstanding many tourists face regarding Thailand's medical insurance provisions.
UK-based insurer Worldwide Travelling points out the current inconsistencies: coverage ideally includes major health outcomes like the loss of limbs or death, but the process remains fraught with complexities. An official Thai tourist ministry website offers a registration link that seems compromised, while actual claim data is managed by separate institutions, leaving many foreigners unaware of where to turn.
Adding to the complexity, Thailand's numerous visa types come with varied medical insurance requirements. The newly introduced Destination Visa Thailand, Elite Visa, and Long-Term Residence visa all bear distinct conditions, further clouding the picture for long-stay foreigners. Notably, foreign retirees with an OA visa mandatorily need insurance, whereas others don't.
As this issue garners attention, Thailand aims to streamline its processes. Immigration lawyer Jessataporn Bunnag notes that a governmental committee is reviewing existing visa conditions, but clarity remains awaited since its formation last July. For now, tourists and expats tread carefully amidst policy intricacies, hoping for a more straightforward system soon.
Thailand's Meteorological Department has delayed announcing the start of winter due to unusual weather conditions throughout the country. The department expected winter to begin on October 29.
A spokesperson from the Meteorological Department explained that the northern and northeastern regions are the only places currently experiencing temperatures below 23 degrees Celsius, while the rest of the country is still seeing rain.
Therefore, they will wait for a more widespread cold air mass before officially declaring winter. Officials hope to make an announcement within the next two weeks.
Last night's heavy rain and thunderstorms in Bangkok and nearby areas were the result of a strong cold air mass from China meeting a western wind system.
As this cold air pushes the western wind system south, northern Thailand should see drier and cooler weather soon.
Once upon a time, jetting off for a Thai visa was as easy as pie. A quick border dash to a nearby country, pop into a consulate in Laos, Malaysia, or Vietnam, and voilà! You'd be done and dusted, ready for an evening drink by the Mekong River. Ah, the good old days!
But hold onto your hats, because the digital age has swept in like a whirlwind, turning the visa game on its head. In recent years, many consulates have swapped the spontaneous stroll-in method for an appointment-only system, meaning you have to jump online and nab a slot before making your visa run.
Now, brace yourselves: several Thai consulates in the region have ditched paper applications altogether, opting for the online-exclusive e-visa route. Others still cling to the good old-fashioned paper method but insist on an online appointment first. Confused about which consulate offers what? Don't fret! Here's the ultimate guide to prevent a wasted trip across the border.
Consulates going E-visa only
These days, some consulates won't even entertain the idea of a face-to-face submission. Moving exclusively to e-visas are:
Vietnam: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City
Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Bharu
Cambodia: Phnom Penh
Thinking of strolling in? Think again! Applications must be submitted online, and here's a crucial tip: you've got to be in the country where the Thai consulate is based when applying. Unfortunately, no cheeky attempts from afar are allowed.
E-visa dilemma
Now, the e-visa concept might sound as smooth as silk—head to Vietnam, apply online, and zip back post-application. But here's where it gets sticky: what if they ask for more documents after you've returned home? Or worse, if they reject your application, you're stuck reapplying. Suddenly, staying put for the 5-10 day processing time seems unavoidable, turning the supposedly slick e-visa tech into a sticky wicket compared to the speedy traditional walk-in approach, Thailand Life reported.
Consulates requiring appointments for paper applications
Prefer the tangible world of paper? Some consulates still accept in-person submissions but demand an online appointment first. This mixed-method madness is available at:
Laos: Vientiane, Savannakhet
Myanmar: Yangon
While they technically offer walk-ins, don't try rocking up unannounced—you'll need that online appointment as your golden ticket. Rumours suggest agents may help you nab an appointment (for a fee, of course), but tread cautiously.
Walk-ins still welcome here
For those who crave nostalgia, a handful of consulates still embrace the classic walk-in system without appointments:
Indonesia: Jakarta
Taiwan: Taipei
Philippines: Manila
Special note for marriage-based non-immigrant O visas
For those gunning for the long-term, marriage-based Non-O visa, a once-hot commodity in Ho Chi Minh City, the shift to e-visas means looking elsewhere. Savannakhet in Laos and Yangon in Myanmar are now your best bets.
E-visa futures
As the e-visa trend continues, globetrotters and expats must fine-tune their Thai visa strategy. Spontaneous jaunts to Laos or unplanned flights to Penang are fading into memory. With digital control tightening, who knows which consulate will be the next to switch? Stay sharp and double-check the specifics for each location before packing those bags. The visa landscape is shifting—don't be caught off guard!
Pattaya, Chonburi Province – On October 30th, 2024, at 4:06 AM, R.T.O. Wuttikorn Plodprong, deputy chief of the Pattaya City Police Station, received a report of a shooting incident in front of the Moo Krata Baek Kap Din Sam restaurant on Petchtrakul Road in Pattaya City, Nongprue Subdistrict. The report was promptly relayed to Pol. Col. Nawin Thirawit, chief of the Pattaya City Police Station, who led a team of patrol and investigation officers to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers found tourists, bus operators, and local residents in a state of panic. The scene showed signs of a fight, including a damaged motorcycle, scattered belongings, and blood on the ground. Both parties involved had fled in separate directions before the police arrived.
Eyewitness Mr. Amnuay, 65, reported seeing a gunman approach alone and shoot at the injured group, believed to be foreigners. The injured individual fell to the ground before being quickly taken away by friends in a black Alphard van, whose license plate number remains unknown. The gunman had already fled the scene.
Initial investigations suggest the altercation may have stemmed from a dispute after leaving an entertainment venue. Some witnesses indicated that the injured person and the perpetrator were part of the same group, likely Thais, who argued and then engaged in a fistfight before the gunshot was fired. The incident caused locals and tourists to flee in terror.
This is a developing story and still under investigation.
Thaksin Shinawatra, the de facto leader of Pheu Thai, is adopting a more cautious approach amid ongoing legal threats that could endanger his daughter Paetongtarn's role as prime minister, dissolve his party's ruling coalition, and even risk his own return to jail.
Sources reveal that Thaksin, who previously exuded confidence and dared critics to sue, has become more alert to covert moves by his opponents, carefully navigating power struggles within Thailand's political landscape.
With his party, his daughter, and himself entangled in multiple lawsuits since his recent return from self-imposed exile, Thaksin is now committed to protecting his political standing.
Political activists have filed cases alleging Thaksin's covert influence over Pheu Thai, including coalition formation and policy-making. In particular, accusations focus on Thaksin's orchestrating of the coalition and policy control from behind the scenes, possibly in violation of Thailand's anti-corruption laws.
Additionally, the Election Commission, Thailand's Constitutional Court, and National Anti-Corruption Commission may weigh in on whether Thaksin manipulated his medical condition to avoid prison time following his recent sentencing. His alleged backroom dealings to oust reformist Move Forward as a condition of his return are also under scrutiny.
Despite the mounting legal and political pressures, Thaksin appears determined to maintain Pheu Thai's grip on power until the legislative term ends in 2027.
Sources suggest he is aiming to avoid dissolving parliament, as an early election would likely favour the People's Party, a reformation of the banned Move Forward, reported Thai Newsroom.
Thaksin is reportedly focused on keeping his coalition intact, despite fraught alliances with parties like Bhumjaithai and Ruam Thai Sang Chart, both of whom may work against him when advantageous.
Whoever wins the US presidential election on November 5, Thailand is prepared to engage with the new president. As a treaty ally and the first Asian country to recognize the US over two centuries ago, Thailand's relationship with America has stood the test of time.
This enduring partnership has weathered many challenges, establishing a strong and pragmatic bond between the two countries.
If Kamala Harris wins the presidency, the US will likely continue its current foreign policy in Southeast Asia, focusing on strengthening alliances and partnerships.
Harris would likely maintain commitments to the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), an initiative introduced to foster economic collaboration in response to the gap left by the Trump administration's withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
Through the IPEF, the US would aim to bolster trade, investment, and economic integration with regional allies, a strategy Harris is expected to support.
Should Donald Trump emerge victorious, Thailand is equally prepared. During Trump's previous term (2016–2020), US -Thai relations remained stable, largely thanks to Trump's security team, which had substantial knowledge of Thailand and the surrounding region.
Trump's administration focused on reducing trade deficits, and Thailand responded by pledging to increase investment in the US and purchase more American goods.
Since then, both Thai-US. investment and trade have grown significantly.
Regarding China, both Harris and Trump are likely to take a firm stance. Under Biden, US policy toward China has aimed to curb Chinese influence in key areas, especially advanced technology and imports.
Trump has indicated he would impose even steeper tariffs on Chinese products, though this could ultimately backfire on American consumers.
Harris would likely face similar domestic pressure to protect the local economy, suggesting that US-China relations will remain competitive and cautious.
Thailand's relations with the US and China will follow a similar pattern to the rest of the region.
No ASEAN member will choose to align fully with either superpower. Both are important sources of security and trade for the region.
Regional countries are striving to diversify their relationships, seeking new partners, markets, and a balance of power.
Thailand will continue its strategic alliance with the US in the Indo-Pacific region regardless of who wins.
However, the depth and character of this relationship may vary based on leadership in both nations. Under Trump, US -Thai ties strengthened even while Thailand was under military rule, while Biden's approach has emphasized collaboration with democracies. Moving forward, these dynamics may shape how Thailand and the US interact.
In the coming years, US - Thai relations will likely adjust to the changing geopolitical landscape as global power shifts toward multipolarity.
For more than 40 years, Thailand has served as a key partner in US military cooperation, hosting the annual Cobra Gold exercises that promote regional security and interoperability.
However, as American power projection declines, these military exercises may evolve in scope and focus.
Across Southeast Asia, the US may increasingly look to allies such as Japan and Australia to help shoulder regional security responsibilities.
For Thailand, this means an ongoing but perhaps more balanced partnership as both countries adapt to new regional realities.
No more boarding passes: facial recognition to start in 6 Thai airports
Passengers are seen queuing up at the check-in counter at Thailand's Phuket International Airport on Oct 15. (Photo: Achadthaya Chuenniran)
An automated biometric identification system using facial recognitiontechnology will be implemented in six Thai airports later this year to let passengers show their physical ID only once.
The system will be ready for domestic passengers on Nov 1 and for international passengers on Dec 1, according to operated by the Airport Authority of Thailand director Kirati Kitmanawat.
To use the system, passengers will be required to allow access to their identification information when checking in at the counter or self-service check-in at the airports.
The system will collect passengers' biometric information and travel itineraries electronically, allowing air travellers to go from the baggage drop to the boarding gate without showing passports and boarding passes. Each registration is for only one journey.
The six airports that will use the system are Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Mae Fah Luang/Chiang Rai International Airport, Phuket International Airport and Hat Yai International Airport.
Passenger numbers using the airports in September and October have risen almost 20% from the same period last year, and are expected to be still higher next year, Mr Kirati said.
Thailand is on tenterhooks with speculation swirling about a potential move by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to dissolve the House of Representatives.
A member of the Democrat Party has predicted this event may occur within the next 90 days, presumably to preempt an impending decision by the Constitutional Court.
The court is set to rule on a lawsuit concerning Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn's father and the influential figure behind Pheu Thai, one of the ruling parties.
This claim came to public notice through the insights shared by Mongkolkit Suksintharanon, a former maverick MP now aligned with the Democrat Party.
He took to Facebook to voice his prediction, suggesting that a fresh election announcement might precede any court-mandated dissolution of Pheu Thai and other parties. Mongkolkit assessed the likelihood of this scenario at over 70%.
This political tremor stems from a legal complaint led by activist lawyer Thirayut Suwankesorn, directed at Thaksin and Pheu Thai. The charges involve allegations of Thaksin's undue influence over the party, primarily orchestrated through his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn.
The lawsuit contends that Thaksin managed a secretive convergence of coalition leaders at his residence, shortly after the Constitutional Court's dismissal of Thailand's former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
Such a move from Paetongtarn could complicate an already bewildering political landscape, with new parties potentially entering the fray under unfamiliar banners, potentially confusing the electorate.
The urgency now lies with the Office of the Attorney-General, bound by the court's order to process this lawsuit within the designated 15-day timeframe, adding a ticking clock to the unfolding political drama, reported Thai Newsroom.
Vehicles wait at a traffic light at the Asok intersection in Bangkok on Oct 19. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)
The Transport Ministry's proposal to introduce congestion charges on motorists using busy roads in Bangkok has reignited intense debate.
This initiative aims to tackle traffic woes by encouraging drivers to leave their cars at home and use public transport. The fees will help fund a 20-baht flat-rate fare for the city's electric trains, making them more affordable and accessible. The ministry plans to spend six to 12 months studying the proposal's feasibility.
The Bangkok Post spoke to the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), experts in urban planning and consumer rights, police, and road users to explore whether the measure can ease traffic snarl-ups as hoped, and whether the capital's mass transit system is sufficiently developed to support the shift.
Data for study
The OTP's director-general, Panya Chupanich, said a pre-feasibility study was conducted from 2019 to 2022 in collaboration with the German development agency GIZ.
With support from the UK Pact (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions), a consultant is being selected to continue the study. The consultant will be named in December, and a full study is expected to be completed within two years.
Mr Panya said the study is designated for inner city areas covering 107 square kilometres, including parts of Klong Toey, Phaya Thai, Dusit, Din Daeng and Sathon.
The study will evaluate if imposing a fee, estimated at 45-50 baht, can reduce the number of private vehicles and identify the most likely to benefit. Cameras will be installed in designated zones to record licence plate numbers.
He also provided the daily traffic volumes of private cars at six major intersections: 83,368 at the Sathon-Narathiwat intersection, 68,473 at Pratunam, 62,453 at Pathumwan, 62,453 at Silom-Narathiwat, 60,112 at Phetchaburi-Thong Lor; and 56,235 at Ratchaprasong.
Mr Panya said congestion fees have been imposed in several cities worldwide, including London, where they were initially criticised before becoming widely accepted. Milan has introduced measures to control the number of cars and combat air pollution.
"We'll first target the areas accessed by the electric train system so they have alternatives. The revenue will also support feeder services, such as buses and song thaews, not just electric trains," he said.
Mr Panya said those living in the designated areas may receive discounts or not have to pay the congestion fees.
Learning from success
Assoc Prof Panit Pujinda, head of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning of Chulalongkorn University, said the measure is in place in major cities worldwide, where modest fees are charged, and the objectives are clear: easing traffic congestion and tackling pollution.
New York City has studied this approach and is preparing to implement it. The aim is to collect revenue to improve the city's century-old subway system.
Singapore, meanwhile, intends to tackle traffic gridlock by setting clear traffic flow targets. Data is collected for assessment every six months, and if traffic flow stays within the target range, the current fee rate will be maintained.
He said the Transport Ministry's objective differs from that of other countries because it aims to use congestion charging mainly to subsidise mass transit fares, not to reduce traffic congestion or air pollution, which are secondary benefits.
However, he pointed out this approach might not be practical because Thai commuters face the "first-mile and last-mile issue". As a result, the time and money people spend are not solely on the electric train system.
"They use motorcycle taxis or taxis to get from home to access public transport. The government should spend the congestion fees on developing the feeder system and make it cheaper," he said.
Assoc Prof Panit said congestion fees are often used as a last resort in many countries, implemented after other measures have been tried and failed, such as collecting windfall taxes or raising money from commercial development around train stations.
He suggested the government take it step by step, first promoting commercial development around train stations and collecting windfall taxes from those who benefit from this development.
If this generates insufficient funds to subsidise the 20-baht flat rate fares, the congestion charges should then be considered and allocated toward improving the feeder systems as well, he said.
Importance of feeders
Saree Aongsomwang, secretary-general of the Thailand Consumer Council (TCC), said the government should first improve bus services so they can better serve as the primary feeder for the electric train system.
Public bus services are insufficient, she said, adding funds worth 34 billion baht earmarked for the second phase of the expressway should be allocated to support bus services.
She said bus routes should be redesigned to connect with the electric train systems, and passenger vans and song thaews can also be used to support the feeder network.
Ms Saree also stressed the need to develop an urban plan alongside a comprehensive public transport system.
"Bangkok should spend the revenue from vehicle registration taxes to fund free bus services. More than 50% of people might leave their cars at home and use the rail system if this materialises," she said.
Regarding the government's plan to buy back electric train systems, she said the government should examine financial and maintenance records to assess costs and ensure transparency in the buyback process.
"Otherwise, the public may perceive the government is using their tax money to help those operators who are running at a loss," she said.
Ms Saree said the government must show how its actions contribute to addressing the climate change issues that have wreaked havoc in various regions. This will raise awareness and encourage people to reduce their car use.
She said that last year, around 10 million people fell ill due to PM 2.5 ultrafine dust pollution, costing the government approximately 7 billion baht for healthcare. "This cycle will repeat itself yearly [unless meaningful actions are taken]," she said.
'Motorists willing to pay'
Pol Col Jirakrit Charonpat, deputy commander of the Traffic Division, said congestion fees will likely not deter people from using cars if they remain the most convenient option for commuting.
Mass transit systems are often overcrowded during rush hours, and the weather plays a key role in people's decision to use public transport, especially when it involves walking in hot and humid conditions, he said.
Pol Col Jirakrit said it remains unclear how the fees will be collected and what impact they will have on residents and motorists who regularly travel through those areas.
What works in other countries may not work here due to various factors. However, he said traffic police are ready to help implement the government policy, and if public transport services are improved, more people will choose public transport over driving.
Voices of motorists
Chor Sua-klin, a 45-year-old taxi driver, said the measure is unlikely to make a difference because there will always be those willing to pay if they believe it is worth it.
He disagreed with the measure because it would affect his job. He believes passengers would use taxi services less frequently if required to pay a congestion fee.
A more effective approach might be to limit the age of vehicles allowed in inner-city areas. Older cars contribute to traffic jams when they break down, and this method would also reduce the number of cars entering the city.
Worawit Prungpaopan, a 42-year-old office worker, agreed there are those willing to pay for convenience.
"It isn't convenient to walk on the footpaths in this weather or to use public transport, which still does not cover all areas," he said.
However, he said he was sceptical about whether the congestion fees would improve public transport services.
Ploypapas Siwatjirakit, a 45-year-old business owner, said the introduction of congestion fees will increase business costs, which will inevitably hit consumers if these costs rise.
Ms Ploypapas said the city's public transport systems need improvement, whether in terms of routes, efficiency of services or safety. Even the electric train systems can't accommodate passengers during rush hours.
"The public needs to prepare if this measure is to be implemented. If we follow the example from developed countries, we must also consider the cost of living and the educational backgrounds of our people," she said.
Panya: Feasibility studies ongoing
Panit: Charges common in big cities around the world
Saree: Public transport must be improved first
Jirakrit: Congestion charge unlikely to deter drivers
Thailand's baht is expected to depreciate further amid continuing capital outflows leading up to the US presidential election next month. Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research) forecasts that if Republican candidate Donald Trump secures victory, the baht could potentially trade below 34.50 against the dollar.
The baht recently fell to 33.84 against the dollar, marking its lowest level in over six weeks. This comes as other regional currencies also weakened, impacted by stronger US dollar performance.
Kanjana Chockpisansin, K-Research's head of research for banking and financial sectors, explained that outflows from Thailand's stock and bond markets are occurring, bolstered by the dollar's strength due to rising US bond yields. The US Federal Reserve has indicated a gradual interest rate cut, further supporting the dollar.
On Wednesday, US 10-year Treasury yields peaked at 4.26%, the highest since late July, fueled by concerns over bond market pressures linked to a contentious November election.
"If Mr. Trump wins, the potential increase in government spending or borrowing could complicate US inflation reduction efforts, impacting the Fed's rate cut path," noted Kanjana. Such dynamics bolster the dollar, affecting Asian currencies like the yuan.
Despite these factors, K-Research continues to foresee a 0.25% reduction in US rates at each remaining Fed meeting this year, in line with Kasikorn Bank's stance.
Meanwhile, Thailand's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is likely to hold domestic policy rates at its December meeting following a recent 25-basis-point reduction. "The MPC decisions are more likely to reflect Thailand's own economic conditions rather than mirroring Fed actions," Kanjana added.
Kavee Chukitkasem from Pi Securities observed ongoing fund withdrawals from the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) amid election uncertainties and institutional investors viewing the SET's current price-to-earnings ratio as expensive, reported Bangkok Post.
"Election uncertainties are steering investors away from riskier assets toward safer holdings like the dollar and gold. Nonetheless, historically, stocks tend to recover post-election, regardless of the outcome," Kavee concluded.
