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As the winter season comes closer, and as we prepare for upcoming cool weather, Bangkok Snow Removal would like to share our “What If” artwork featuring Bangkok scenes covered in a blanket of fresh, clean, white snow.

If you are looking for a unique Thai-based gift idea or a souvenir of your time in this tropical paradise, our range of products, from wall and desk calendars to greeting cards, postcards to placements, drink coasters to fridge magnets, make the perfect gift.

All our prices on the site, https://bangkoksnowremoval.com/, include free domestic postal (EMS) delivery with payment into a local bank account after delivery.

If ordering from overseas, payment can be made to a local bank with the final cost based on the actual registered mail postage fee needed.

We take pride in offering unique, thought-provoking, and colourful greeting cards, postcards, calendars, fridge magnets, drink coasters, and a range of larger frameable prints on canvas all featuring amazing Bangkok covered in snow.

Our commitment is to supply top-quality products lovingly painted in watercolours, carefully designed, professionally printed, and distributed or posted to our clients domestically and worldwide.

For our corporate clients looking for a 2023 calendar, year-end greeting cards, and novelty gifts, we can design greeting cards, postcards, or wall or desk calendars based on your budget and schedule.

There is no limit to what we can do with our unique images. We can provide what you need, in the quantity you need, with Bangkok landmarks or typical street scenes, with or without snow, and finally, with our logo, your logo, or no logos at all.

[email protected]

The Great Bangkok Blizzard

2023 Desk and Wall Calendars

Our beautiful 14-month desk calendar consists of 14 individual cards, with different pictures showing Bangkok scenes covered in snow.

Each month is an individual page that sits in a wood base.

At the end of each month, simply cut off the calendar part, and you have a new postcard to send to family and friends.

There is also a 14-month wall calendar featuring seven pictures, greeting cards, and postcards to choose from.

Calendars - 400 Baht.

Greeting Cards - 300 Baht for six different cards featuring whimsical snow-covered Bangkok scenes (blank inside/white envelopes). New pack this year with the pictures featured on the wall calendar.

Postcards - 150 Baht for six different postcards featuring ‘what if’ panoramas from an imaginary snow-covered Bangkok.

All prices include free domestic delivery. Payment when ordering or after delivery into a Thai bank account.

To see more and/or to make an order:

Please visit https://bangkoksnowremoval.com/

or

Write to [email protected]

Property insurance is important for a few reasons. Firstly, if something happens and you don't have homeowner’s insurance, you may end up having to pay for the damages yourself. Here are the Top 5 reasons for expats to get property insurance.

1. Peace of Mind

No matter what your home situation is, having the knowledge that you are covered if something goes wrong, will allow the homeowner to rest easy and relax. For expats living away from their home country, getting property insurance means there is one less thing to worry about. There are always unexpected eventualities and home insurance can just take the worry out of unforeseen problems that occur that affect the condo or villa.  Even if you've never had to use property insurance before, odds are good that at least sometime in your life something will happen where it's beneficial to have coverage. Homeowners insurance can provide peace of mind by helping to financially cover any damages done to your home or its contents.

2. Low Cost – High Benefit

Property insurance is not an unwanted expense but rather a necessity than can prevent you from losing significant sums in the event an unexpected disaster or theft. Property insurance is relatively inexpensive with premiums starting at around 2000 Baht per annum. When you think of potential cost of theft, property damage or even property loss it is a small sum to pay. It gives the homeowner the knowledge that if the unexpected happens, at least they are covered, and someone will be there to help when disaster strikes. Expat Insurance Scanner can help expats to determine how much insurance cover to purchase. A good rule of thumb is to always buy enough coverage (in terms of Baht) for both your personal assets and your business assets. This means, even if one asset experiences a significant loss, you will still be adequately protected overall.

3. Protection from Loss of Use of the Property

If your property is damaged, often you won’t be able to live in it while it is being repaired. This means you will incur hotel or temporary apartment costs. Having loss of use coverage included in your homeowner’s insurance policy can help pay for your additional housing and living expenses while your home is being repaired or rebuilt. This ensures the costs of property damage aren’t increased by the extra costs of having to live somewhere else while your property is fixed.

4. Replace Contents

Contents insurance helps pay to replace your personal belongings if they're stolen or damaged by a covered peril, such as a fire or theft. If someone breaks into your home and steals your laptop, or your clothing and furniture are ruined in a fire, you may find that contents insurance helps cover the loss. As a tip keep records of all your expensive belongings so that they can be documented and easily referenced if you need to make a claim.

5. Satisfy Your Mortgage Lender

When taking out a mortgage, banks require property insurance to protect the investment, they have made by offering a mortgage. Property insurance ensures that the bank won’t lose money if something happens to your property. Banks require that the borrower has enough property insurance to pay for a complete rebuild of your property in the event of a fire, storm, or other covered damage. Banks will have stipulations on how much coverage is if you have just taken out a mortgage. Banks often have “scope of coverage” requirements that detail exactly what the policy must cover.

When choosing an insurer Expat Insurance Scanner helps expats find an insurer with a good reputation. We research which insurers have the best track record for customer service, and help clients choose one that fits their needs specifically. This gives clients peace of mind that they can find a property insurer that fits their requirements.

If you would like to get a free quote today, please click on this link 

After one year of unforgettable fight action, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) Asia is looking to celebrate in style by hosting an exclusive VIP style event to see out 2022. There are eleven thrilling bare knuckle fights featuring top level fighters from around the world with only a limited number of seats available. All guests will enjoy luxurious VIP booths at the incredible Space Plus nightclub in Bangkok with fights starting at 4:30pm. During the live event there will be laser shows, music, dancers, and more, BKFC Asia 4: The Big Bash will be airing live from the Space Plus nightclub on December 10.

TICKET INFO: https://www.ticketmelon.com/bkfcasia/event4

BKFC Asia 4: The Big Bash will be headlined by a 70kg war between Rolando Gabriel Dy and Apisit Sangmuang. Apisit is a 21-year-old Thai-born phenom with over 120 professional fights to his name, a record of 80-35-5 in Muay Thai and 10-3-1 in boxing, plus a title in The Professional Boxing Association of Thailand. He holds a victory over crowd favourite “Hellboy” TJ Chang,and will look to extend his professional boxing win streak against the dangerous Filipino striker Rolando Gabriel Dy.

“Incredible” Rolando Gabriel Dy has experience all around the world boasting a 14-13 record in MMA. This fighter is a former UFC combatant, Brave CF fighter of the year, a world champion in UAE Warriors, and is the son of the former WBC Lightweight Champion Rolando Navarete. The December 10 main event between Rolando Dy and Apisit will be an unforgettable clash.

The co-main event is a must-see. Tai Emery earned acclaim earlier this year when she won a first-round devastating knockout and celebrated by flashing her breasts to the audience. The Australian-born athlete became a viral sensation.

Emery will face the Thai combat sports veteran Po Denman. Denman is an experienced fighter who has earned impressive knockouts across multiple combat sports. She is 7-0-1 in Muay Thai, 16-1-1 in professional boxing, 4-0 in kickboxing, 6-0 in Lethwei, and 1-0 in BKFC. Recently, she impressed audiences by facing a male opponent and winning by KO.

Tai Emery, who is 3-2 in Muay Thai and 1-0 in bare knuckle boxing, and Po Denman are looking to put on a show when they go to war on December 10.

Swiss-born powerhouse Gligor Stojanov, 30-13 in Muay Thai, who is coming off a brutal KO victory against a very tough opponent in his last outing will need all of his expertise when he faces Brazil’s Gilbert Patrocinio. With experience across multiple combat sports,“Tubaraobranco” Patrocinio is ready to make an impression in this welterweight showdown. Patrocinio has a 13-4 record in MMA, 11-3 in Muay Thai, 5-0 in professional boxing, and 6-0 in kickboxing. These are two very tough and experienced fighters. A fight of the night bonus could be awarded here.

Teetee Denman is one that fight fans should keep a close eye on. This Thai-born athlete is a Kyokushin karate international champion and is a top-ranked boxer in Thailand. Incredibly, Denman is undefeated in both professional boxing, 15-0, and Lethwei, 12-0. This Thai athlete will put his unbeaten record on the line against Myanmar’s World Lethwei champion Saw Htoo Aung, in what fans are anticipating to be an electric affair at 64 kg. The Lethwei Champion Saw Htoo Aung holds a record of 17-3-20 in the sport.

Guam’s Alex Castro, 9-9 in MMA, is out of prison and is booked in a showdown against the Swedish striker Gustaf Cedermalm. “Forehead Forward” Cedermalm is a European Bare Knuckle Boxing champion and will be looking to make a name for himself against Castro.

Cedermalm has amassed a record of more than 30 fights acres Muay Thai and bare knuckle boxing. Castro is a highly experienced MMA fighter who was a Pacific Xtreme Combat Lightweight Champion and plans to impress audiences on December 10 at 68 kg.

The French-Algerian Sohanne Bengana is a feared fighter in Muay Thai. “The Artist” has competed in both the Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadiums. Professionally, he has a record of 80-23-2 in Muay Thai, 1-0 in professional boxing, 2-2 in kickboxing, and 4-2-1 in Lethwei. This decorated Muay Thai striker will turn his attention to bare knuckle boxing as he faces Frankke Siharach Srisang. Frank has an experienced record in Muay Thai of 55-12-2 and 5-1 in professional boxing. Additionally, he is a current Professional Boxing Association of Thailand champion. It’s safe to say that these two are going to war at 66 kg.

In bout number 5 Iran’s “Kratos” Poorya Mokhtari will have a showdown against standout Filipino striker Joemil Miado, 1-0 in MMA and 10-1 in professional boxing. “The Joker” Miado had an impressive record with most of his wins coming by way of KO and comes from a family of fighters as his brother Jeremy Miado, a top ranked fighter in ONE Championship. “Kratos,” 6-2 in Muay Thai, 3-0 in kickboxing, plans to make a name for himself and impress audiences in this 66 kg fight.

This December 10 event will also feature a bad-blood grudge match. Two Cambodian fighters want to end their conflict at BKFC Asia 4. Aem Ratha and Rithi Chaichit do not like each other and will look to settle their differences at 60 kg. This is one to watch. Chaichit is 18-3 in Kun Khmer while Ratha has a 21-11-7 record.

Boon Sarun will be well known to fans as he works alongside the viral Mr Fight Chanel Team in Bangkok. At 66 kg he will face the British-born Victor Booty. Booty, 2-3 in Muay Thai, went to war in his last BKFC fight and never quit, his spirit inspired audiences. With the heart of a lion, he will seek a strong victory against Sarun who has a 20-6 professional boxing record..

India’s Patho Ghosh, 6-0 in MMA, cannot wait to throw down on December 10. At 61 KG, “Nightmare” will face Chor Pov, 80-20-2 in Kun Khmer, of Cambodia. Thus far, Ghosh is undefeated in professional fighting and will put it all on the line when he faces the highly experienced and dangerous Pov.

Kicking off our historic event will be India’s Anubhav Kumar Verma, who has won medals in several state level boxing competitions and is 1-0 in MMA will be facing Ouch Thearith, 76-20-5 in Kun Khmeri. At just the age of 23, “The Fox” Ouch has performed in over 100 Kun Khmer bouts. “Peshwa” Verma will look to stop his Cambodian-born opponent at 61 kg.

BKFC Asia 4: The Big Bash on December 10 will be hosted at Space Plus in Bangkok, the action will start at 4:30pm on December 10.

Viewers can enjoy this fight event LIVE on the BKFC app.

About BKFC Asia

BKFC Asia events are managed by Mr. Nick Chapman and Mr. Vathanai Vathanakul. BKFC Asia features a series of bare-knuckle fighting events to be held on a monthly basis in Thailand. Our events will encompass a traditional bare-knuckle boxing style while utilizing a specifically created rule set that emphasizes the half Thai clinch with punching strikes allowed inside the clinch.

All bouts will be held in a revolutionary circular four-rope ring, designed to encourage fast-paced and exciting bouts. The patented BKFC “Squared Circle” contains scratch lines, based on the Broughton Rules which governed bare-knuckle fighting in the 19th century, and which requires fighters to “Toe the Line”: starting every round face to face, and just 3 feet apart.

Only established professionals in boxing, MMA, kickboxing, Lethwei, or Muay Thai will be allowed to compete. The referees, judges, and officials will also be required to have extensive professional combat sports experience.

Follow BKFC Asia

Website: www.BKFC.com

Youtube: BKFC Asia

Instagram: BKFC Asia

TikTok: BKFC Asia

Facebook: BKFC Asia

Watch BKFC Thailand

https://referral.bareknuckle.tv/BKFCThailand

BKFC Asia 4: The Big Bash – December 10 Fight Card

11: Main Event: 70kg - Lightweight

Rolando Gabriel Dy (Philippines) vs Apisit Sangmuang (Thailand)

10: Co-main 56 kg – Women’s Flyweight

Tai Emery (Australia) vs Po Denman (Thailand)

9: 74 kg

Gligor Stojanov (Switzerland) vs Gilbert Patrocinio (Brazil)

8: 64kg

Tetee Denman (Thailand) vs Saw Htoo Aung (Myanmar)

7: 68kg

Gustaf Cedermalm (Sweden)  vs Alex Castro (Guam)

6: 66kg

Sohanne BENGANA (Algeria) vs Frankke Siharach Srisang (Thailand)

5: 66kg

Poorya Mokhtari (Iran) vs Joemil Miado (Philippines)

4: 60kg

Aem Ratha (Cambodia)  vs Rithi Chaichit (Cambodia)

3: 66kg

Boon Sarun (Thailand) vs Victor Booty (UK)

2: 61kg

Patho Ghosh (Indian) vs Chor Pov (Cambodia)

1: 61kg

Anubhav Kumar Verma (India) vs Ouch Thearith (Cambodian)

BKFC Asia would like to thank:-

Singha Corporation our official Presenting Sponsors for their amazing and continued support.

Bitkub our official Tech Partners. (exciting NFT project launching soon)

Yuth Sports Gear our official kit sponsors for providing all our fighter and official’s clothing.

Cornerstone Global Partners Pte Ltd Local sponsors and recruitment partners

Fresh Digital our official marketing and web partners

MLife Shop and Kieser our official performance partners

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Thailand is famous for many things, and one of them is the quality of their healthcare. CEOWORLD magazine ranked Thailand at No.13 in their Health Care Index 2021, ahead of Germany, Switzerland, and Singapore. It’s little wonder the Land of Smiles is one of the leading destinations for medical tourism in Asia.

If your plan is to stay in Thailand for longer, however, securing a health insurance plan for you and your loved ones should be near the top of your to-do list. With so many options available and nuances to consider, naturally the smart route to take is to engage a brokerage well versed in health insurance in Thailand, and secure suitable coverage at zero extra cost.

Still, it helps to do some homework first, before you get the ball rolling. Our friends at Pacific Prime Thailand are here to help

Get yourself up to speed on some insurance jargons

When an insurer or broker sits down with you with a proposal or contract, there will be a number of insurance terms that you’ll come across time and again. So a good way to start will be to familiarize yourself with them. For instance, you should know what a policy exclusion is, why a plan with a higher deductible costs less, and what a rider does.

Know exactly what it is you need

You don’t walk into a car dealership only knowing you want to buy a car, so why should you be any less prepared when you are shopping for health insurance? That way, you can avoid getting coverage you don’t need while skipping coverage you do. Of course, that isn’t to say you cannot change your mind on the spot - one hallmark of a good insurance intermediary is their ability to see what’s missing in a client’s plan, and convince the client to do what is ultimately in their best interest.

Will local private health insurance suffice or do you need to go for international health insurance? How much deductible should you opt for in light of the payout features of your employer’s group medical plan? Do you need outpatient treatment and dental coverage? These and similar questions should be thought through before you sit down with your intermediary for the first time.

What’s more, what you need from the coverage you secure on your own depends heavily on what your employer’s group medical plan already provides. It is therefore crucial to get a good grasp of the latter, and objectively assess the stability of your employment with your current employer.

Another crucial consideration is about the very unpleasant subject of pre-existing conditions. It is understandable that people with a pre-existing condition would love to just skim through it, but the principle of utmost good faith in insurance requires that you disclose any pre-existing conditions you are aware of, even if you are not asked about them. Otherwise, you may end up without coverage.

Know that coverage and price are not everything

There is a whole lot more to a health insurance plan than just its coverage and cost. Intangibles like quality of service and claims processing speed are just as important if not more so. The devil is often in the details.

Ask yourself the following questions to find out what else you’d like from an insurance policy, such as:

• Does the insurer’s network of service providers include your GP?
• Is there 24/7 emergency support and will your calls be answered by a real person?
• Will someone be available to answer your calls in your native language?
• Will the insurer help you find a specialist or get a second opinion?
• Will your insurer settle the bills directly or will they only reimburse you later on?

One thing in particular that you need to pay attention to is renewability - some plans that seem like a steal have this catch whereby plan renewal is by “mutual agreement”. By contrast, “lifetime renewable” plans, though likely to be more expensive, will not leave you out in the cold even if your medical bills turn out to be quite hefty in the future.

Secure health insurance with the help from a broker

Now that you know what goes into the health insurance decision process, it should be clear why the best way by far is to enlist the help of a knowledgeable and reputable brokerage like Pacific Prime Thailand.

Their expertise and experience in all matters related to insurance, combined with their in-depth knowledge of the products from all the major insurers around the world, give them the ability to provide impartial advice that only a leading global insurance brokerage can.

Not only can the health insurance specialists at Pacific Prime Thailand tailor a plan that meets all of your needs and fits your budget (all at no extra cost to you), but they will be with you every step of the way and stand up for you when you need them most. The difference between going straight to an insurer and securing insurance via a broker is most obvious when you make a claim, especially when you have a brokerage like Pacific Prime Thailand on your side who is serving your best interest first and foremost. 

Furthermore, Pacific Prime Thailand's experts will ensure a smooth and pleasurable experience when securing insurance through them. Their company motto of “simplifying insurance” is more than just a slogan - it’s a core value of theirs.

Contact Pacific Prime Thailand for a quote or no-obligation consultation today!

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With its natural beauty, friendly locals, delicious food, and affordable cost of living, Thailand is a dream destination for expats from all corners of the globe. From the beaches in the south to the mountains in the north, the Land of Smiles has something for virtually any tourist. Travelers that visit Thailand and fall in love with the country often have a hard time leaving - so much so that it becomes a permanent home for many.

But like all good things, there are also downsides to living in Thailand. Our friends at Pacific Prime Thailand are here to discuss the top 5 concerns of expats in Thailand.

1. Visas

There may be plenty of visas available, but finding the ideal fit for one’s profession or needs can be challenging. Depending on the type of visa you have, visa runs and local immigration office check-ins might be necessary to extend your stay in the country. Whichever route you choose, it’s imperative to maintain accurate, up-to-date paperwork to avoid hefty fines and penalties that come with overstaying your visa.

Even though the internet has plenty of information about visas in Thailand, the reality is that every case can be different. The documents you need, for example, may vary from one person in the local immigration office to the next. Some expats prefer to hire visa agents to do the process for them. Just make sure you choose a reputable agent if you go down that route.

2. Bureaucracy

Dealing with bureaucracy in Thailand is something that many expats struggle with. From applying for a visa to opening a bank account, it can seem like a pile of paperwork is necessary for just about everything. In the age of computers, digital banking, and other conveniences, the sheer amount of paperwork that’s required for even the smallest tasks can be shocking (and troublesome) for foreigners.

Many Government services aren’t available online, making trips to the local immigration office the only option. Not only do you have to fill in a bunch of forms for even something as simple as getting a check-up for your vehicle, but stores also print out receipts for almost every transaction. Several local banks and providers still send out letters instead of electronic alternatives.

3. Pollution

Pollution is a problem that affects the entire country and its people, but expats, in particular, struggle with unhealthy air quality. While there is some talk about air pollution, not enough people seem to know or care enough about it - and that’s reflected in actions toward reducing air pollution. Air quality reaches hazardous levels annually in places like Chiang Mai with its notorious smokey season and Bangkok with its congested traffic.

A Greenpeace Southeast Asia study found that around 29,000 deaths across Thailand were caused by air pollution last year. But it’s not only air pollution that’s a concern. Despite having stunning nature, litter and trash can spoil even the most picturesque place. With that said, Thailand has tried to improve its parks, beaches, and other natural attractions, such as by closing Maya Bay to help revive ecosystems.

4. Healthcare

Thailand has excellent medical facilities and is even known internationally for its medical tourism. However, the challenge for expats lies in the country’s public healthcare system. Long wait times, inconsistent healthcare quality, and language barriers are some of the main reasons why expats opt for private healthcare instead. While routine check-ups and certain treatments can be affordable even in Thailand’s private medical facilities, expats often don’t realize how quickly medical costs add up until they’re left with a hefty bill.

Those looking for major medical treatments may be surprised to discover that they have to provide proof of their health insurance or adequate funds in their bank account. It isn’t unheard of for Thai hospitals to require a significant deposit before offering any medical treatment. Without sufficient funding or comprehensive health insurance, expats may not be able to access the treatment they need.

5. Driving

Riding around on a scooter may be fun, but Thai roads and those using them can make driving dangerous. Thailand continues to rank in the world's top 10 most dangerous places to drive. Most recently, Thailand came in fourth in the world, according to a WHO report from 2019. The number of road fatalities during Thai New Year (Songkran) and Christmas/New Year is shocking every year.

Despite police checkpoints, new laws, and Government announcements, road accidents remain a huge concern. Drink driving is the largest contributor to road accidents, followed by speeding. While it’s certainly possible to become familiar with the Thai way of driving, always wear a helmet when on a bike or opt for a car if possible.

Looking for the best health insurance for Thailand expats? As a reputable health insurance broker with over 20 years of industry experience, Pacific Prime’s expert advisors have the knowledge and expertise to help you compare health insurance quotes and find the ideal fit for your needs and budget. Contact Pacific Prime Thailand for unbiased insurance advice and a free quote today.

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Starting from THB 7,000 net

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Stay on 8 November 2022

For more inquiries, please call 66(0)26881000 ext. Reservation Department.

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The influence of the pandemic has been daunting on the wellness of mental health.  Depression is one of the main illnesses plaguing seniors in a rapidly aging society in Thailand. However, discussions about seeking help for mental health among the elderly remain less prevalent. That being said, help can be found for those in need in Thailand. From wellness retreats to mental health retreats, Thailand houses some of the world's most recommended mental health retreats.

We have reached out to health insurance experts at Pacific Prime Thailand to learn more about the top 5 wellness retreats in Thailand for expats, and here’s what they recommended:

1.  Absolute Sanctuary in Koh Samui

The resort is equipped with everything to help you reconnect with your mind and body. Absolute Sanctuary is a destination where you can recharge, revitalize and re-energize via the esprit’s Pilates, yoga, core programs, and healthy food programs. You will be able to choose from 22 different programs across 15 categories, making the resort unique from the rest.

2.  RAKxa

Surrounded by lush greenery in the island of Bang Krachao, across from Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River, RAKxa Wellness and Medical Retreat is only an hour’s drive from both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports. You can disconnect from reality and focus on yourself and wellness. Not just that, there are specialists that can help guide you through your journey and organic meals that are specially prepared for you.

3.  Rosewood Phuket

The name Rosewood is associated with luxurious stays, breathtaking properties and ultimate hospitality. Unsurprisingly, Rosewood Phuket’s retreats include Asaya treatments, fitness classes, daily breakfast and more. The resort also is equipped with a state-of-the-art fitness center which is open 24 hours. So, book your mental health wellness retreat at the Rosewood Phuket for taking in the innovative architecture and lush natural landscapes.

4.  Six Senses Yao Noi

Located 45 minutes from Phuket, Six Senses Yao Noi is an island resort surrounded by rich blue waters and greens. The resort offers villas with private swimming pools and the spa offers a Thai-inspired long house and individual treatment salas. Six Senses Yao Noi will help rebalance your senses as you are transported through memorable journeys and traditional healing practices that incorporate the elements of earth, water, fire and air.

5.  Amanpuri Phuket

A retreat that offers nothing but absolute serenity, with white sand beaches all around, amazing restaurants, and a holistic wellness center - Amanpuri’s villas offer complete privacy and space, with its own pools and resident Thai chefs preparing the most authenitc and delicious local cuisine. And that’s not all, you could also enjoy tailored treatments, massages, immersions, and personalized fitness programs to enhance your body.

About Pacific Prime Thailand

With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Pacific Prime Thailand can help you and your family find the perfect plan. The insurance experts at Pacific Prime have been helping expats secure medical insurance in Thailand and have offices across the world. To learn more about Pacific Prime and insurance plans with coverage for mental health, get in touch with Pacific Prime Thailand today!

Why should you consider to buy policy with excess?

The Thai car insurance market is unique compared to other Asian market and worldwide. That's because most of the car insurance policies sold in Thailand are without excess. 

Based on our experience at Roojai.com, this is one of the reasons for the high number of road accidents in Thailand. Contrary to common belief, no-excess policies do not benefit the customer, the insurer or the overall society.  

The only winners in this context are the agents and brokers earning higher commissions on inflated insurance premiums.

What is the Insurance Excess?

The excess is the maximum amount that a driver will payout for an accident when they are at fault, or there is no third-party involved. It is, in simple words, the amount of risk that the driver retains before the insurer takes over the rest of the bill.

If the driver is not at fault in a car accident, they don't have to worry about the policy excess. The insurer will recover the damage from the third-party at fault, and the excess will not need to apply.

Here is an example.

Let's say a driver hits a pillar in a car park. They have a 5,000 THB excess on the car insurance policy, and the car repair bill is 12,000 THB. It means that the insurer will pay 7,000 THB, and the driver will pay 5,000 THB. It is pretty straightforward. If the car repair cost is 3,000 THB, the driver can repair the car, without submitting an insurance claim. In this way, the insurance premium and the No Claim Bonus will not be affected.

Here is why no-excess insurance is worse.

Most drivers believe it is better to have an insurance policy without excess. You have nothing to worry about, and the insurance company pays for everything in case of a car accident. It sounds great.

Not if you look a bit deeper on how car insurance prices work.

When there is no excess, every little damage becomes an insurance claim which requires the insurance company to intervene. For example, when someone reports a 3,000 THB claim for a small dent, the car insurance company will open a file and have a claim handler to send a surveyor to review the damage. Then they will discuss with the garage to approve the car repair. Afterwards, they will receive a quotation from the garage, authorize it, receive an invoice and pay the invoice. That is a lot of people managing a lot of paperwork for a 3,000 THB insurance claim. The cost of handling an insurance claim is on average, about 2,000 THB, without including the actual repair. While customers may think they do not have to pay, the insurance premium calculation includes all these expenses, and they impact everybody.

Statistically, one accident out of two is for an insurance claim below 5,000 THB. These claims generate very high costs for insurance companies. The companies, of course, include these costs in the car insurance premiums.

Why are so many no-excess car insurance policies sold in Thailand?

If it is a lose/lose situation for both driver and insurer, why is no-excess insurance so common? The simple answer is because there is one big winner in the transaction: the intermediaries.

Agents' and brokers' remuneration is a percentage of the car insurance premium. They usually get paid 18% of the premium so the higher the insurance premium, the better for them. For this reason, they tend to promote insurance policies without excess with the simple message: 'It is much better for you. You don't have to pay for anything, and the insurer will pay every cost'. 

It is indeed a great simple message. But one that does not stand scrutiny because you are paying much more upfront than you should.

Let's have another example.

The average car repair cost is 10,000 THB per year.

An insurance company needs to manage all insurance claims, including small claims : 

On average, 3000 THB for the whole servicing of policy (issue policy, send documents, offices, etc.)

Out of the 3000, 1000 THB is for managing insurance claims, out of which 500 to manage small claims below 5000 THB.

Then the agents take 18% of the total car insurance premium.

So the total insurance premium is:

16,000 = 

10,000 (car repair cost) 

+ 

2,000 (insurance company expenses, non-claims) 

+ 

500 (manage claims of more than 5,000) 

+ 

500 (manage small car accidents) 

+ 

3,000 (broker agent commission % of insurance premium) 

Now, continuing with our example, let's assume the customer choose excess insurance of 5,000.

On average, it will reduce the repair cost carried by the insurer to 5,000. 

It will also reduce the cost of managing insurance claims by 500 by removing the small claims. 

The cost without commission becomes 

5,000+2,000+500 = 7,500.

The intermediaries are taking 18% of the premium, but now the car insurance premium is 

5,000 + 2,000 + 500 + 1,600 = 9,100 

The customer would have to pay the excess when they have a car accident at fault or without a third-party, which is on average an additional 5000. 

That makes the total cost on average 9,100 + 5,000 = 14,100, which is a saving of 1,900 THB.

This saving comes mainly from the broker remuneration, reduced from 3000THB to 1600THB. Also, there is a 500THB in cost-saving from the insurance company since they don't have to manage small claims.

One can easily understand that the main losers in this equation are the intermediaries, and that's why most intermediaries will advise you to buy a no-excess insurance policy.

Another benefit of excess insurance is that small insurance claims won't be reported. So, they won't impact the driving record of the insured driver with his insurance company. At the time of renewal, the driver can benefit from an improvement in its No Claim Bonus. 

Why would it benefit customers and society if more drivers used insurance policies with excess?

Another benefit of policies with excess is that drivers with an excess drive better. On average, people with insurance excess do fewer road accidents. If a driver knows that a car accident will generate a cost, he/she will take fewer risks. With a no excess insurance policy, the driver bears no consequences in a car accident. It would not be a big deal if that caused implications only for the driver and its car. Unfortunately, reckless driving has an obvious consequence which often can lead to injuries or death of other people. There is a correlation between the high number of road accidents in Thailand and the preponderance of zero excess insurance policies.

In conclusion, we strongly advocate for buying an insurance policy with excess to save money, for yourself and others, and to reduce the risk of road accidents.

Roojai.com online car insurance Expect more, save more

Get ready for Meatfest 2022, a brand-new food and music festival making its way to Pattaya on the 29th – 30th of October 2022. Hosted by BBQ lovers with a keen appreciation for high end ingredients, creative food preparation and various BBQing techniques, Meatfest will be the ultimate foodie weekend out.

This two-day event provides a great opportunity for the public to partake in a unique culinary sampling experience featuring various barbecue meats, traditional sides, and artisan products, many of which are produced locally. A selection of local and imported craft beers, wine and additional beverages will be available.

A daily cooking competition will pin several teams against one another allowing those in attendance to watch the action from start to finish. Think “iron chef” with chicken, lamb, pork ribs, and beef cheeks serving as main ingredients. For the adventurous, a chilli chicken wing eating competition is scheduled with heats on the Saturday and the final on Sunday. A line up of bands including Power Jam, Paul Jackson band and The House Shakers will entertain crowds into the evening.

We are thrilled at the response we have received so far from sponsors and patrons who can’t wait until October to be part of the festival. Thailand has always had a wonderful association with food & tourism. Barbecuing adds a new dimension to this, with Meatfest set to become an annual staple to the culinary calendar.

The outdoor venue, Jay Bees Bar Pattaya, provides a great backdrop for this world-class event. Wander around and take in the sights, sounds and smells of the Meatfest Thailand Barbecue Festival daily from 1pm – late.

Making friends as an adult can be hard enough. Add being an expat in Thailand to the mix and you may be left feeling like you’ll never find your local social circle. Or perhaps you’ve met some new people but your loved one is finding it more challenging. Whatever the situation, our friends at Pacific Prime Thailand are here to talk about making friends as an expat in the Land of Smiles to help you make the most of your time here.

The first step is always the hardest part

Whether you’re moving to Thailand or have been here for a while, forming friendships in Thailand has probably crossed your mind more than once. It can be challenging to put yourself out there and get to know new people. On top of that, you may be missing your loved ones back home and thinking you’ll never find anyone quite like them.

But you’ll never know if you never try. From striking up a conversation with an interesting stranger to volunteering and joining expat meetup groups, there are more possibilities to meet people than you may realize. Stop waiting for others to make the first move and take that initial step. You never know, it could be the start of a beautiful friendship. And if it’s not, at least you tried.

4 tips for forming friendships in Thailand as an expat

So, now that you are confident about making the first move if need be, here are some tips to help you connect with new people.

1. Meet your neighbors

A simple solution to start meeting people in a new place, as well as overcome culture shock, is to try and meet people that are in your area. This is especially ideal to avoid feeling isolated if you don’t drive or you only use public transport. Expat-popular cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket have local groups that you can join. From there, you can introduce yourself to connect with similar people nearby.

If you can’t find an organized group, your next best bet is to get to know your neighbors. You can knock on their door for a brief introduction or talk to someone that you often bump into on your way in/out. Since locals and expats alike share a love of food, you could make the encounter extra special with a sweet or savory treat.

2. Expand existing family connections

If you moved to Thailand with your family or partner, there may be more opportunities to meet people than you’re aware of. Does your spouse have some friends already? They might know who to connect you with. Or perhaps your spouse knows someone at work who shares similar interests and can introduce you.

If your children are enrolled in school, you can get to know other parents through their school activities. You can set up playdates with other kids that your children get along with - and whose parents you can see yourself being friends with. This way, everyone gets to make new friends!

3. Let people know you’re looking

Everyone is aware of the struggles of finding friends abroad, so don’t feel like you’re desperate for putting yourself out there. In fact, let people know that you’re looking to make connections. While you don’t quite have to go shouting it from the rooftops, there’s no harm in casually bringing it up the next time you’re speaking with a colleague or family member. Someone might already know the perfect friend for you, but they won’t know you’re looking for more friends unless you say so.

4. The internet is your friend

We don’t mean you should swap real friends for the internet, but rather, use it as a tool to make friends in Thailand. Facebook groups for your area are a good start. Depending on where you’re living in the country, you may be able to find activity groups like ‘hiking in Chiang Mai’ or ‘nights out in Bangkok’. Once in the group, you can either post that you’re looking to meet up with new people or reply when others do the same.

Another option is to use Meetup groups that help you find people in your area with similar interests. Of course, always be safe when meeting strangers on the internet. If you do meet, make sure it’s in a public space and that someone knows where you are.

Remember: good things take time and you’ll probably need to slowly get to know someone before they become a close friend. Whether it’s asking your colleagues about their weekend, inviting a parent from your children’s school for lunch, or saying hello to your neighbor with a box of cookies in hand, every small step that you take in the direction towards friendship is well worth the effort.

Health insurance for foreigners in Thailand is a must whether you’re staying for a week or a year. But with so many policies to choose from, it can be daunting to compare health insurance plans in Thailand. That’s where Pacific Prime comes in. As the health insurance broker of choice for many expats in Thailand and globally, Pacific Prime can help you find the best expat health insurance in Thailand and beyond. Contact Pacific Prime Thailand for unbiased insurance advice and a free quote today.