BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul promoted low-cost microinsurance for the Songkran festival to improve protection for travelers, as the Office of Insurance Commission unveiled two 30‑day policies.
Opening of Songkran safety command center
Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said on 10 April that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had that morning opened the operations center for the prevention and reduction of road accidents during Songkran.
During the event, he joined a campaign for a “safe Songkran” and urged people to plan their journeys well in advance.
Focus on preparation and risk management
According to the statement, Anutin emphasized the importance of preparation and risk management over the holiday period.
The measures were intended to improve public safety at a time when many people were traveling and road accident risks were a central concern for the authorities.
Microinsurance as additional protection
The prime minister praised microinsurance as a tool that could offer policyholders protection and strengthen personal security.
At the same time, such products were expected to expand access to insurance for more Thai citizens, particularly in the areas of health and accidents.
Two insurance options for Songkran
For Songkran, the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) worked with relevant partners to design two types of microinsurance as additional protection options.
The products were named the “Songkran Bekbanjai” policy, focused on personal coverage, and “ฝากบ้านเที่ยวอุ่นใจ” (“House safe, travel with peace of mind”) for property protection.
“Songkran Bekbanjai”: Cover for accidents, life and treatment
The “Songkran Bekbanjai” policy covered, according to the information provided, both benefits in the event of death and medical treatment costs resulting from an accident.
It was offered in two microinsurance variants: starting at 10 baht with a maximum coverage of 100,000 baht, and 20 baht with a maximum of 250,000 baht.
Term, period and eligibility
Coverage applied for 30 days from the start of the policy, and it could be purchased between 31 March and 30 June.
Only Thai nationals aged 15 to 70 years, calculated as completed age on the day of purchase, were eligible to buy the product.
“ฝากบ้านเที่ยวอุ่นใจ”: Basic home cover for travel period
The second option, “ประกันภัยฝากบ้านเที่ยวอุ่นใจ”, cost 10 baht and provided a maximum coverage of 30,000 baht.
Here too, the insurance duration was 30 days to offer additional basic protection for property while residents were away traveling.
How citizens could purchase the policies
According to the government, the policies could be purchased through participating insurance companies and project channels.
Examples included Counter Service points and participating business partners, aiming to make access to insurance more convenient and to broaden coverage.