Bangkok: The Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) is endorsing an upgrade to the system designed to protect victims of road accidents, emphasizing an "assistance first, investigation later" approach. This initiative, known as "Assistance First, Verification Later," is being implemented through the Victim Compensation Fund.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chuchat Pramoonphol, Secretary-General of the OIC, inaugurated a 2026 training program aimed at enhancing the knowledge of related agencies. This event took place at the Aswin Grand Convention Hotel in Bangkok and was attended by personnel from over 180 public and private hospitals, as well as more than 450 representatives from related agencies in Bangkok and surrounding areas. The objective is to modernize and better serve the public's needs in protecting victims of road accidents.
The protection system for traffic accident victims is more than a legal mechanism; it is a fundamental social security guarantee that ensures citizens receive timely medical treatment and compensation. The Office of Insurance Commission (OIC), as the regulatory and promotional body for the insurance industry, has a critical mission to protect public rights and interests, building confidence in the insurance system's effectiveness. The implementation of laws protecting traffic accident victims is essential for a timely response to real-world situations. This legislation establishes a compensation fund to pay initial compensation to victims and ensures that medical facilities treating them receive prompt reimbursement.
The Secretary-General highlighted the role of medical facilities as a crucial frontline in helping victims access their legal rights effectively. The OIC promotes the automated claims system, or e-Claim, as the main channel for submitting initial claims for compensation from the Victims of Traffic Accidents Compensation Fund. This system aims to streamline the process, reduce redundancy, increase transparency, and provide citizens with quick access to medical treatment without upfront costs. This aligns with the government's digital age service upgrades. For Bangkok and its populous surrounding areas, enhancing knowledge among medical personnel is strategically important to ensure standardized rights exercise and compensation reimbursement, maximizing public benefits. Highlights of the event included the 'e-Claim Awards 2025' for outstanding use of the automated claims system.
An educational session on mandatory motor vehicle insurance was conducted to improve the knowledge and practices of relevant personnel, aiming to elevate operational standards among medical staff. This will result in faster, more efficient claims processing and reimbursement, benefiting the public. Additionally, the event featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Motor Vehicle Accident Victims Protection Company Limited, Mitmaitri Medical Company Limited, and Everyday Doctor Company Limited to upgrade clinics to primary care units for motor vehicle accident victims.