Thai lawmakers are considering a new law that would require foreign tourists to purchase travel and health insurance. The Ministry of Public Health quietly proposed the new fee last week in a meeting with other government ministries.
According to the officials, foreigners have become a financial burden on the state’s public hospitals, which are required to provide any visitor with free medical treatment under Thailand’s universal healthcare system.
Public Health Minister Pradit Sinthawanarong said that the tax could be included in the cost of airline tickets, visas or paid at immigration checkpoints.
It’s not yet clear when the measure would be voted upon but Sinthawanarong said the proposal’s next step was a subcommittee review.
