29 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

I will concede that many do not have adequate insurance and end up costing Thailand money - but will a 300b tourist scheme really cover this?

 

During a more normal year, they estimated a shortfall between 300 and 450 million baht.  And that was with >30 million visitors.  Makes it 10-15 baht per.  So it's plenty.  And hopefully, they'll invest some of it into infrastructure, solid waste disposal and helping Thais in need during and after Covid.  

 

And we all know that some pretty big portion will be siphoned off into greedy pockets.  But we knew that when we chose to live in Thailand.

 

Keeping in mind, of course that it is NOT health insurance.  They're still going to be presenting foreigners with a bill for any treatment.  But the hospitals are legally required to render life saving treatment regardless of ability to pay.  It's only a small portion of foreigners who end up not able or willing to pay.  (And those who don't make it in spite of expensive treatment)  That's where the 300-450M shortfall comes in.

 

I'd also mention reading sad stories over the years about foreigners whose lives were saved- as required by the law, but couldn't afford the additional niceties like having their limbs reconstructed.  So anyone counting on this program as a substitute for insurance could be in for a rude awakening.  Unless they're real good at GoFundMe.

 

https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1201655-new-300-thb-entry-fee-to-help-cover-uninsured-foreign-tourists-who-fail-to-pay-medical-bills/

 

23 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

How about 500 baht in entry and free health care for all tourists - I think we'd all be happy with that

That's what I said on a earlier post. 

I would be prepared to pay 1000 Bht, that's only 50 dollars NZ, that should solve the insurance problem and some. 

The sooner they incorporate an entry fee that covers every foreign entry the better.

1kBht is not a high price to pay and would be more simple than trying to find cover from all of these insurance companies. 

It would also give the health system a boost, and have money left over to improve tourism. 

 

The problem is how it would be managed. 

23 hours ago, Deserted said:

This is a rather backwards manoeuvre, I remember paying 500 baht at the airport just to be let out of the country. As long as the fee is less than a bar fine, most people won't be too unhappy. If it goes off maybe they should employ bar girls to collect it and escort tourists to an office for some V.I.P treatment for a few mins also. 

Then the B500 was added to the ticket price so it wasn't payable at the airport.

Incidentally, if the new tax covers insurance for foreign tourists, does that mean the current $100k requirement will not be necessary?

Tempest in a teacup,

300 bht is what $10?  Someone said it is only the beginning, it could eventually go to 1,000 bht, big deal $30. 

And what if it reduced tourism especially the Kee Not farang tourism  that cant afford $10. wouldn't that be a good thing? 

 

 

1 hour ago, impulse said:

 

During a more normal year, they estimated a shortfall between 300 and 450 million baht.  And that was with >30 million visitors.  Makes it 10-15 baht per.  So it's plenty.  And hopefully, they'll invest some of it into infrastructure, solid waste disposal and helping Thais in need during and after Covid.  

 

And we all know that some pretty big portion will be siphoned off into greedy pockets.  But we knew that when we chose to live in Thailand.

 

Keeping in mind, of course that it is NOT health insurance.  They're still going to be presenting foreigners with a bill for any treatment.  But the hospitals are legally required to render life saving treatment regardless of ability to pay.  It's only a small portion of foreigners who end up not able or willing to pay.  (And those who don't make it in spite of expensive treatment)  That's where the 300-450M shortfall comes in.

 

I'd also mention reading sad stories over the years about foreigners whose lives were saved- as required by the law, but couldn't afford the additional niceties like having their limbs reconstructed.  So anyone counting on this program as a substitute for insurance could be in for a rude awakening.  Unless they're real good at GoFundMe.

 

https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1201655-new-300-thb-entry-fee-to-help-cover-uninsured-foreign-tourists-who-fail-to-pay-medical-bills/

 

https://loyaltylobby.com/2021/01/15/thailand-tourism-committee-approves-300-baht-tourism-fee-from-each-international-visitor/

8 minutes ago, roo860 said:

https://loyaltylobby.com/2021/01/15/thailand-tourism-committee-approves-300-baht-tourism-fee-from-each-international-visitor/

 

It's only an insurance product in that it covers hospitals who get stiffed by foreigners unable or unwilling to pay.  I can see where they'd want to use an insurance company to manage the program.  That's what insurance companies do- along with the ubiquitous backhanders.

 

Anyone who thinks it's a substitute for travel or health insurance had better be good at GoFundMe.  They're still coming after you for payment.

 

On 1/15/2021 at 6:09 AM, richard_smith237 said:

The constant repetition of insulting state sponsored schemes to rid tourists of money just becomes tiresome.

 

Thailand is seriously hurting due to the absence of international tourist yet complete imbeciles are still trying to figure out ways to scheme more money from the very people it wants to attract. 

 

So often I’m astonished by the outrageously flawed mindset of those in positions who come up with this stuff. 

 

When I read news such as this I draw the opinion that Thailand doesn’t deserve tourists, but sadly it is the general population who would be hurt, while those in positions of power dream up more schemes from which to graft and skim funds.

lts more about the pricible more than 300 baht surcharge , we pay double to go nature parks or any public venue all because we are foriegner , Its racisim simple fact of how this Gov and previous Governments act in thailand treat farangs as vermon l  have been advocate in Australia against foreign ownership until there Governments treat us equally should restrict those who impose it upon us same deal ! Can not buy land or house to live in in our countries of residence !!! Recipricol rights in Thailand China America Europe Russia AustraliaGov sells our ass to highest bidder !! 

On 1/15/2021 at 6:01 AM, webfact said:

Okay given for Bt300 foreign tourist entry fee

By The Nation

 

Tourism and Sports Minister Phipat Ratchakitprakarn (Photo credit: Thai Government)

 

The National Tourism Policy Committee has approved the Tourism and Sports Ministry’s proposal to collect a Bt300 fee from every tourist entering the country, said minister Phipat Ratchakitprakarn on Thursday.

 

The online fee will become effective once the measure is published in the Royal Gazette.

 

The money collected will go to the tourism promotion fund.

 

Phipat said the fee would help fund management and development of Thai tourism, as well as insurance for foreign tourists during their stay.

 

The next step is for state agencies to draw up details of the fee collection.

 

About 10 million foreign tourists are expected to visit Thailand this year.

 

Meanwhile the committee also viewed the status of the Special Tourist Visa (STV) scheme, which came into effect in September last year.

 

As of January 11, a total of 1,114 tourists had entered Thailand on STVs, with another 123 set to arrive this month.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/business/30401251

 

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2021-01-15

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

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Totally inflamatory racisit remarks penny pinching never ends in Thailand cancel cultural / Antifa would be proud ... 

16 hours ago, SupermarineS6B said:

Nope...... What i stated is the truth......... I'm concerned that you don't know that in the country that you're talking about.....   

Of course it's sad that continual extortion by the Thai authorities  have clouded your perspective, in over 20 years not something I have experienced personally.

The only corruption I have come across in Thailand is the UK government taking part of my pension, epitome of corruption, legalised theft.

10 hours ago, Neeranam said:

I'd forgotten about that. I don't think this airport tax was stopped, it is added onto your flight cost. 

Why not read what I said.

 "Physical payment was stopped shortly after and included in the the flight ticket."

It is no longer called airport tax but Passenger Service Charge which is now 700 baht for Thailand, LHR is in the order of 3000 baht.

26 minutes ago, sandyf said:

Why not read what I said.

 "Physical payment was stopped shortly after and included in the the flight ticket."

It is no longer called airport tax but Passenger Service Charge which is now 700 baht for Thailand, LHR is in the order of 3000 baht.

Rather ironic, you telling me to read what you said  And that is NOT what you said in the post I replied to . 

 

 

 

5 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

Rather ironic, you telling me to read what you said  

You are quite right, I should  have responded "Why not try and understand what I posted."

Too many comments are made on the basis of people not paying attention to what they read.

6 hours ago, sirineou said:

Tempest in a teacup,

300 bht is what $10?  Someone said it is only the beginning, it could eventually go to 1,000 bht, big deal $30. 

And what if it reduced tourism especially the Kee Not farang tourism  that cant afford $10. wouldn't that be a good thing? 

 

 

 

It's already 1000 Baht, as there is a hidden 700 Baht exit tax in your ticket price....

On 1/15/2021 at 3:43 AM, Soikhaonoiken said:

It will start off at 300B, then once tourism starts to increase they will increase the fee, and I can see that a 1,000B  would be charged,, they still believe that tourists are queing up to visit Thailand, how wrong are they. 

i agree total greed as usual by the Thais..rob tourists a bit more .. tourism is already dead here stuff like this just helps to knock the nail in the coffin a little more .. Thailand is no longer the Country of choice far better and cheaper places ..just sayin 

If thailand is serious about attracting tourists on holiday 1-4 weeks, requirements to come should be as simple as possible not onerous....countries with easy access will score the most arrivals.

20 hours ago, ThailandGuy said:

You can't get any healthcare in Thailand anymore without paying outfront at the moment !  This not for making up these costs from the past.

Are you talking from own experience? If having a valid insurance certificate to present the hospital why would they insist anyone to pay up front? But if can't show proof of insurance it would make sense. 

20 hours ago, SupermarineS6B said:

Can you use any other health insurance other than a Thai one in Thailand ?

Yes a international insurance is expected. But the premium is more expensive. I have one myself. For those on long stay visa there are quite a few international insurers that offers a add-on outpatient benefit, valid only in Thailand. 

20 hours ago, SupermarineS6B said:

 I've been in loads of Thai hospitals, there's no skipping out of the door........ That's just Thai Gov Propaganda

Or it's a conspiracy theory of yours.. ????

I've meet people that told me they escaped through the balcony because they couldn't afford the bill. If they had a valid insurance it would have been better. It should be compulsory to have one to be able to enter. Actually it is now so in Thailand but that's because of the pandemic. 

9 hours ago, impulse said:

 

During a more normal year, they estimated a shortfall between 300 and 450 million baht.  And that was with >30 million visitors.  Makes it 10-15 baht per.  So it's plenty.  And hopefully, they'll invest some of it into infrastructure, solid waste disposal and helping Thais in need during and after Covid.  

 

And we all know that some pretty big portion will be siphoned off into greedy pockets.  But we knew that when we chose to live in Thailand.

 

Keeping in mind, of course that it is NOT health insurance.  They're still going to be presenting foreigners with a bill for any treatment.  But the hospitals are legally required to render life saving treatment regardless of ability to pay.  It's only a small portion of foreigners who end up not able or willing to pay.  (And those who don't make it in spite of expensive treatment)  That's where the 300-450M shortfall comes in.

 

I'd also mention reading sad stories over the years about foreigners whose lives were saved- as required by the law, but couldn't afford the additional niceties like having their limbs reconstructed.  So anyone counting on this program as a substitute for insurance could be in for a rude awakening.  Unless they're real good at GoFundMe.

 

https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1201655-new-300-thb-entry-fee-to-help-cover-uninsured-foreign-tourists-who-fail-to-pay-medical-bills/

 

 

10 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

 

There’s more to it than just the $10 for those who think this 'doesn’t sit right'

... any idiot and see that...

 

 

 

Announcements such as this are a glimpses into the mindset of those in positions of decision making power and their disregard for foreigners whom they think... 'We need more money, charge em more !'

 

There is also the facet that the greed of such decisions is often borne out of a self serving nature to line ones own pockets. For anyone who has been here any spell of time and scratched the surface the propensity for graft and to think up ways to profit from such ideas is endless. 

 

There is also the clumsy manner in which a thin veil of justifiability touched upon with the ‘insurance angle’... If they wanted people to have insurance - just make insurance a requirement for all visas and ensure those arriving visa exempt can show proof of insurance. Many people also ready have excellent insurance. 

 

I will concede that many do not have adequate insurance and end up costing Thailand money - but will a 300b tourist scheme really cover this?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"There's more to it than 10 bucks" >>> maybe, maybe not . If they want to screw foreigners for 10 - 20 bucks - then give it to them (with a smile as well). Please don't over think it and contemplate slashing your wrists. Just consider when they let you in all the discounted 'services' you will get.

50 minutes ago, khunkarl said:

Yes a international insurance is expected. But the premium is more expensive. I have one myself. For those on long stay visa there are quite a few international insurers that offers a add-on outpatient benefit, valid only in Thailand. 

The word I was looking for was, ACCEPTED not expected... 

I think we are all looking at this the wrong way when we instead should see it for what it is.

 

Every circus does have a entrance fee, why should this one be free? 

Well at least there are a lot of countries to choose from that welcomes visitors without charging ridiculous fees.

Thailand treat your visitors as guest and not as walking ATM's.

 

Treat them as guests and they will spend and benefit normal hard working Thais.

hahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah...we don't want you!

2 hours ago, Plima said:

hahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah...we don't want you!

Succinct...but correct.????

26 minutes ago, Odysseus123 said:

Succinct...but correct.????

Yep if you don't think Thailand is worth 300 baht then why would you come?

5 minutes ago, 473geo said:

Yep if you don't think Thailand is worth 300 baht then why would you come?

Gee!

For the temples of course!

I do admire the previous poster's attempt at both brevity and levity and would recommend him/her to anyone mocking up a TAT adverstising campaign in the future.

6 minutes ago, Odysseus123 said:

Gee!

For the temples of course!

I do admire the previous poster's attempt at both brevity and levity and would recommend him/her to anyone mocking up a TAT adverstising campaign in the future.

You miss the point if somebody wishing to visit my country was not willing to pay 300 baht entrance fee which was planned to improve facilities for tourists be 'insurance' against visitors who abscond without paying medical bills, well I don't think I'd care if these 'objectors' didn't show.

20 minutes ago, 473geo said:

You miss the point if somebody wishing to visit my country was not willing to pay 300 baht entrance fee which was planned to improve facilities for tourists be 'insurance' against visitors who abscond without paying medical bills, well I don't think I'd care if these 'objectors' didn't show.

But Thailand isn't your country is it?

 

It's not mine either.

 

But there is one thing that I would hazard a bet on...most of that 300 baht (times whatever) will melt away..like soot in the rain.

It will be 600 baht next year..and so on ad infinitum.????

Just now, Odysseus123 said:

But Thailand isn't your country is it?

 

It's not mine either.

 

But there is one thing that I would hazard a bet on...most of that 30 baht (times whatever) will melt away..like soot in the rain.

What a silly response, I make the point that if in the same situation regarding my country, I can understand why the Thai people would not care too much about those unwilling to pay 300 baht, hence, they don't want us here is probably correct on this occasion

 

You tell me Thailand is not my country well done you one part right

They should make it 600 baht.