BANGKOK, Thailand – Tourism and Sports Minister Atthakorn Sirilattayakorn has initiated discussions with the Thai General Insurance Association to develop insurance schemes for Thai national athletes, aiming to reduce costs while improving medical care and welfare to meet international standards.
The talks reviewed possible insurance models for athletes competing in major events and options to strengthen medical coverage for athletes and sports personnel, with the aim of improving protection without adding financial pressure on existing sports budgets.
Following the meeting, the minister directed relevant agencies to work with the Sports Authority of Thailand to organize a workshop examining legal frameworks and potential benefits of athlete insurance arrangements. The review will consider comprehensive coverage for national teams to ensure the security of athletes and their families.
Another key area is the use of pooled or centralized insurance to achieve lower premiums through economies of scale. The study will assess whether combining existing policies held by individual sports associations could reduce costs or deliver better benefits.
The discussions also addressed long-term medical welfare comparable to private-sector standards, extending support beyond athletes’ competitive careers. The ministry is now preparing a workable framework for pilot use at upcoming international competitions, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable athlete welfare system. (NNT)
