Given its close proximity and how it is only one of three countries to be connected with Malaysia via land, Thailand has long been a popular destination for Malaysian tourists, especially those who want to drive their own vehicles.
However, many take insurance coverage lightly when doing so, with a majority of Malaysians only opting for the cheapest option when driving their own car or riding their motorcycles to Thailand.
According to Abdul Halim Othman, a Malaysian activist living in Satun, one of the most southern provinces in Thailand, it is best if Malaysians get full insurance coverage so as to reduce potential risks should they encounter incidents like traffic accidents.
Taking to his Facebook page, Abdul Halim asserted in an interview with BERNAMA that most Malaysians have little knowledge about getting full insurance coverage as they drive their vehicles in Thailand.
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This is because some wish to save money by opting for the cheapest options and thought that they could resolve any issues that happened while in Thailand easily.
Since 2011, Abdul Halim, who is also known as Cikgu Joe Satun has helped many Malaysians involved in traffic accidents in Thailand on a volunteer basis, without seeking any payment. He shared,
“Actually, as soon as we step past the Malaysia-Thailand border, even for a short meal in Danok, we actually are subject to the regulations of the Thai authorities.
“Insurance will act as our ‘legal aid’ that will come to our rescue. If nothing happens, it’s okay, but if it does happen, it will be tough without full coverage. So you need to remember this before it really happens,”
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He added that they are 4 types of mandatory insurance while driving in Thailand, including:
- Compulsory Insurance (CI)
- Travel Insurance (TI)
- Voluntary Insurance (VI)
- Extension 101 Insurance (E101)
Moreover, insurance is a condition to enter Thailand and many Malaysians fail to realise the high costs involved for foreigners should they require medical treatment due to motor accidents.
Additional insurance like TI is important, besides VI, as it acts to cover compensation to parties involved in the accident. Meanwhile, E101 will cover the Malaysian vehicle involved in the accident.
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So, what do you guys think of the sharing by Abdul Halim? Have you driven your car or ridden your motorcycle to Thailand from Malaysia? Share your experiences with us in the comments!
Also read: Thai Police Uncovers Syndicate Smuggling Malaysian Fuel Into Thailand
