Thailand
High demand for health insurance due to Covid-19 worries, premiums expected to rise

With the increasing demands for health insurance due to people’s worries over Covid-19, health insurance premiums are expected to grow 1.59% this year, according to the Insurance Commission.
Commission secretary-general Suthipol Taweechaikarn says total premiums will see 101 billion baht revenues this year, an increase from 99 billion baht last year. He adds that the Covid-19 situation is a major factor in higher demand for health insurance policies as medical expenses are likely to increase every year.
Some insurance companies in Thailand have also found an increasing demand for health coverage policies among their customers, especially those with high purchasing power.
Deputy CEO of Tokio Marine Life Insurance Thailand says the company will offer annual premiums starting at 15,000 baht.
“The company aims to increase health insurance premiums to 50% this year from 40% last year.”
Cigna Insurance CEO says the company will use digital technology for product and service development to meet customers’ demands in the new normal lifestyle.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
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Crime
Bangkok police raid house where model died after playing hostess

Bangkok police are investigating a model’s death after raiding a Chatuchak district house where the model died after being hired as a hostess. The model, Whitchayaporn ‘Wa’ Visessombut, was hired along with other women to serve drinks and entertain guests at a private residence last Monday. Then, the next day, she died of respiratory failure after being brought unconscious to Paolo Hospital Kaset.
Investigators say they obtained a text chat history between the 33 year old model and her agent the day she was hired for the job. The chats revealed a receipt for a 30,000 baht money transfer to 4 hostesses, including Whitchayaporn, for their work. 6 other hostesses from a different agency were also hired to work the party.
Police say between 5 and 7 men were at the party along with 10 women with the use of drugs allegedly being involved.
Police say they are still are waiting for the autopsy results of the dead woman. Her relatives have already begun seeking assistance as they are afraid her case could turn out to be as complicated as that of model Thitima ‘Lunlabelle’ Noraphanpiphat, who was found dead in a similar situation back in 2019.
SOURCE: The Phuket News
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Coronavirus (Covid-19)
PM to receive AstraZeneca vaccine on Sunday

The Thai PM, Prayut Chan-o-cha will receive the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine on Sunday, while Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will receive the Chinese jab. According to a Bangkok Post report, Sopon Mekthon from the sub-committee on vaccine management says both politicians will receive their vaccines at the Bamrasnaradura Infectious Disease Institute. On Monday, the vaccination of priority groups in specific provinces will get underway.
Speaking about the arrival of the long-awaited vaccines yesterday, Anutin said the first batch would be distributed free of charge, with costs covered by the government.
“The vaccines are for Thais and those living in the country. Anyone who charges for the vaccine will face legal action.”
Thailand has taken delivery of 200,000 doses of the Chinese Sinovac jab and 117,600 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. The arrival of the AstraZeneca jab took many by surprise, with no mention of its imminent arrival, unlike the PR hoopla surrounding the arrival of its Chinese counterpart. Another 800,000 doses of the Sinovac vaccine are expected next month, followed by a further 1 million in April. After that, the rest of Thailand’s vaccines will be from AstraZeneca, with 26 million locally-manufactured doses expected to be available from May to June and another 35 million after that.
Nakorn Premsri from the National Vaccine Institute says the AstraZeneca vaccines arrived this week as a result of a commitment by the pharmaceutical giant to ensure equal access to Covid-19 vaccines.
“The AstraZeneca vaccines that arrived in Thailand must receive a lot release certificate from the Department of Medical Sciences before distribution to priority groups designated by the Department of Disease Control.”
Meanwhile, Thares Karasnairaviwong from the Department of Health Service Support says over 1.5 million village health volunteers are educating local residents about the importance of vaccination and establishing how many people fall into the priority groups who will be first to be inoculated.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
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Tourism
Day trip to Bangkok’s closest island – Koh Si Chang | VIDEO

Ko Si Chang (or Koh Sichang) is a district of Chon Buri Province, Thailand. It consists of the island of Ko Si Chang and its adjoining islands. Ko Si Chang is in the Gulf of Thailand, 12 kilometres off the shore of the Si Racha District coastline. It’s the closest island to Bangkok and a popular weekend away for Bangkokians. Pangrum takes us on a quick visit to the island with today’s latest Thaiger Vlog.
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Ian
Monday, January 18, 2021 at 6:17 pm
Another scam what is up with this country if it wasnt for the beautiful girls nobody would come look at tourist spots no girl no people I rest my case
Issan John
Monday, January 18, 2021 at 8:32 pm
It’s medical insurance which you can get from any company you like, anywhere you like, any country you like, or not get at all – where’s the “scam”?
Nipral
Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 6:52 am
Anything coming from Thai ins. companies is a scam ! And not only ins. companies…
Mister Stretch
Monday, January 18, 2021 at 8:53 pm
Do you think health insurance premiums aren’t rising in your home country? If not, you’re deluded.
And what of health care prices? Which are cheaper for quality care, Thailand or your home country?
I recently bought health insurance here for the first time, and even with a hypertension rider, it was a fraction of what I would pay at home for the same coverage.
I am not a big fan of paying for insurance…but when you need it, it’s good to have.
Ben
Monday, January 18, 2021 at 10:09 pm
1.59% increase? Ian thinks everything is a scam.
The BMA wants to raise the maximum BTS fare by 168% next month. Now that might be a bigger scam.
Ian
Monday, January 18, 2021 at 11:09 pm
Mister stretch I live in a country that you don’t need health insurance it’s called the national health service of great Britain but I see you and johns points a foriegner in england does need health insurance as they are foriegners or visitors like yourselfs
Dee
Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 6:07 am
In England it’s supposed you pay tax for your health national service.
I bet one million against a bean that here you don’t pay a baht in tax.
Please deny me by posting your tax declaration, hater…
Nipral
Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 6:48 am
In civilized countries when insurance coverages are in high demand premiums go down ! Fortunately not all countries have military govnt !