Bangkok: Permanent Secretary of Tourism confirms that compensation is available under regulations to help businesses take care of stranded tourists.

According to Thai News Agency, the Permanent Secretary of Tourism explained that the 2,000 baht compensation payment is in accordance with regulations to help businesses take care of stranded tourists, but added that the situation is still manageable.

Ms. Natthariya Thaweewong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, clarified the 2,000 baht compensation payment, stating that the Ministry previously had a tourist assistance fund and clear regulations for payment and assistance. This included payments to Thai businesses responsible for caring for stranded tourists in hotels and other venues, such as in cases of airport closures. However, these regulations were later changed due to budget constraints. Nevertheless, measures to assist and compensate tourists remain in place under the aforementioned regulations and payment guidelines.

For example, in the case of the Malaysian tourist who was injured in a fire, the Ministry provided compensation for medical expenses and for the family members who came to care for them. The fund will utilize the central government budget allocated annually. Regarding the case of tourists stranded due to the conflict in the Middle East, the Ministry is not remaining idle. They have reviewed past procedures and held discussions with various businesses involved in assisting and caring for tourists.

In the past, if the situation was prolonged, the Ministry would use funds from the tourist assistance fund to compensate businesses such as hotels and restaurants where the tourists were staying, at an average rate of 2,000 baht per person per day. This payment covered the accommodation and food costs for the businesses, not directly to the tourists. Therefore, it is clarified that the compensation payment of 2,000 baht per person will only be made when the situation becomes severe and prolonged, and hotel operators or other sectors are unable to cover the expenses incurred in caring for tourists stranded in hotels.

The Ministry is assessing the situation daily to determine the likely direction of the event and prepare for the next steps in providing assistance.