Special insurance for Lankan tourists in Thailand

Sandasen MARASINGHE

The Thai government has launched a special programme to provide medical and life insurance and many other benefits to Sri Lankan tourists and others during their stay in Thailand this year. The Thai government will take measures to provide the insurance cover and other facilities by issuing the Miracle Thailand Card, a special debit card for foreign visitors to Thailand.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on March 29 with Krungthai Bank in Thailand to issue this special debit card at the official opening of 'Miracle Year Amazing Thailand' at IMPACT Convention and Exhibition Centre, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi in Bangkok.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (Mumbai Office) assistant director Suladda Sarutilavan said that around 53,600 Sri Lankan tourists visited Thailand last year. "This would be a great relief to those planning to visit Thailand this year," he said.

The basic card costs 100 baht, which includes seven - day personal accident insurance of up to 10,000 baht for outpatient treatment, 500,000 baht for inpatient treatment and life insurance of 1 million baht. The card can be topped up anytime at any Krungthai Bank Currency Exchange booth up to a maximum value of 30,000 Baht. Travellers can also extend the period for insurance coverage at any Krungthai Bank Currency Exchange booth.

The card also reduces the need for travellers to carry cash during their holiday in the Kingdom. It also offers extra value in the form of discounts at leading shopping malls and tourist spots, as well as medical and life insurance coverage in case of an accident.

Travellers can use the Miracle Thailand Card to buy goods and withdraw cash from ATMs anywhere in Thailand without any charge. Special discounts are offered when using the Miracle Thailand Card at leading shopping malls and tourist spots such as The Mall, Emporium, Siam Paragon, Paradise Park, MBK Center, King Power Duty Free, Siam Park, Siam Niramit, and Safari World.

The Miracle Thailand Card is an electronic cash card similar to a debit card. International travellers can buy the card when they arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport at the ATTA counter or at any Krungthai Bank Currency Exchange booth.

The Miracle Year of Amazing Thailand is a special campaign to celebrate three special Royal occasions, which are the 7th Cycle of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday on December 5, 2011, queen Sirikit's 80th birthday on August 12, 2012 and Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn's 60th birthday on July 28, 2012.