Bangkok: The Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) is promoting the HUGS Songwat restaurant model with the slogan "Restaurants can rest assured with insurance coverage," a new initiative aimed at ensuring customer safety and raising insurance awareness.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chuchat Pramoonphol, Secretary-General of the OIC, presided over the opening ceremony of the "INSURANCE STREET SENSE" project. This initiative is a media and art project designed to raise awareness about insurance and enhance the organization's image in urban society. The event, themed "Someone on Your Side: The OIC is by your side," was held at HUGS Songwat, a Japanese-style brunch cafe in Bangkok's Talat Noi area. The project embraces the SOS concept, highlighting design's role in addressing urban challenges and risks.
Mr. Pramoonphol emphasized the significance of choosing the Talat Noi-Songwad area due to its historical value and unique local identity. As a densely populated area with residential, commercial, and tourist activities, it faces real-life risks such as fire and accidents. By integrating art and design, the project connects risk management and insurance to the daily lives of residents, business owners, and tourists.
The OIC is shifting its approach to presenting insurance knowledge. The INSURANCE STREET SENSE project uses art and graffiti to naturally engage the public, making insurance more accessible and an integral part of modern urban life. This approach allows individuals to learn about insurance through real-life experiences in public spaces.
HUGS Songwat is the first restaurant in Bangkok to join the 'Safe and Secure Restaurant with Insurance Coverage' project, receiving pilot restaurant certification. This initiative, launched in Khon Kaen on July 2, 2025, includes fire and third-party liability insurance. Certified establishments display a sticker at the entrance, assuring customers of safety and appropriate coverage. The OIC encourages participation, highlighting insurance's role in risk management, business stability, and consumer confidence.
The event also featured the unveiling of the mascot "PITAK," symbolizing the OIC's attributes: Protection, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Knowledge. The mascot aims to convey insurance knowledge in a friendly and accessible manner to all population segments.