OIC participated in the annual Thailand-Lao PDR road transport consultation meeting in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, alongside government agencies and private sector representatives from both nations.

Mr. Apakorn Panlert, Deputy Secretary-General for Insurance Business Supervision at the OIC, revealed that the OIC took part in discussions and exchanged proposals regarding Thailand’s compulsory motor insurance for cross-border vehicles. Key topics included expanding online compulsory insurance services and developing systems to support the languages ??of neighboring countries, thereby making it easier for cross-border travelers to access insurance and coverage.

This meeting serves as a cooperation mechanism for road transport between Thailand and Lao PDR. Key agenda items covered the facilitation of passenger and freight transport, the development of international transport routes, the reduction of transport procedures and costs, the development of Common Control Areas (CCA), and the creation of mechanisms and measures to support cross-border travel. The goal is to enhance transport connectivity between the two countries, making it more convenient, safe, and efficient. Participation in this meeting aligns with the OIC’s mission regarding cross-border vehicle insurance and the protection of road accident victims—specifically ensuring that cross-border vehicles possess coverage compliant with the laws of the destination country—thereby balancing the facilitation of international travel and transport with the protection of public rights. ...and ensures that accident victims can access benefits and receive appropriate compensation through the insurance system.

The Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) is highlighting the issue of "cross-border motor insurance" to facilitate convenient and safe travel. During meetings and information exchanges with Lao PDR agencies and business operators, limitations regarding access to Thailand’s compulsory motor insurance for vehicles entering from Laos were raised. Some drivers and operators struggle to conveniently arrange insurance at border crossings, even though Thai law mandates compulsory motor insurance for vehicles entering the country. Consequently, Lao representatives proposed that Thailand consider expanding channels—such as designated service points or electronic platforms—where travelers can easily purchase Thai compulsory motor insurance before leaving the border area. This would enable drivers and operators to comply with Thai law and reduce obstacles associated with cross-border travel. The OIC believes this initiative can be further developed to improve insurance accessibility without creating unnecessary bottlenecks at border crossings, particularly by leveraging technology to make the purchasing process faster and more convenient for travelers.

Building upon the online compulsory insurance concept to support neighboring countries' languages, a key approach the OIC is evaluating for feasibility is the development of online purchasing channels. This could involve placing QR codes at border crossings that link directly to insurance purchase platforms, allowing travelers to arrange coverage either before their journey or while crossing the border, rather than relying solely on physical sales counters. Crucially, the system should support the languages ??of neighboring countries, enabling vehicle users to understand information and coverage terms, input necessary details, and pay premiums. ...and personally obtain digital proof of insurance. This will help overcome language barriers and make accessing compulsory cross-border vehicle insurance more convenient. Furthermore, system development should prioritize the ability to verify insurance documentation and coverage status, enabling travelers and relevant authorities to easily check information and minimizing potential issues after the vehicle enters Thailand.

Preparations are underway to build upon the Thailand-Lao cross-border vehicle insurance cooperation. Preliminary discussions have highlighted several issues requiring detailed joint study and deliberation, including insurance criteria, distribution channels, coverage verification, and coordination mechanisms—as well as victim protection in the event of an accident. Consequently, the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) plans to discuss these matters with the Thai insurance industry, insurance regulators and operators in the Lao PDR, and other relevant agencies.

The aim is to exchange information, study the systems of both countries, and identify practical implementation strategies. The ultimate goal is to develop a cross-border vehicle insurance system that ensures travelers are aware of requirements before entry, can easily purchase insurance, possess verifiable proof of coverage, and receive protection in the event of an accident—thereby making insurance an integral part of facilitating travel and enhancing safety between Thailand and its neighbors in a tangible way.

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