05.01.19
A video conference rehearsing with the 8th and 9th OIC regional offices prescribed the "prevention - remedies - rehabilitation" measures readiness as well as sent notices to the life and non-life insurance associations to integrate for public assistance.
Dr. Suthiphon Thaveechaiyagarn, Secretary-General of the Office of Insurance Commission (the OIC), revealed that from the case of tropical storm "Pabuk" moving into Thailand affected with strong winds, sudden floods, mudslides to the southern provinces of Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket and Satun, which was reported of the damage to the horticulture, rice fields, life and property of the people. Concerning for the situation, the OIC, therefore, has coordinated with the agencies both public and private sectors to continuously monitor this matter. On January 4, 2019, the OIC has issued a notice to have cooperation from the Thai General Insurance Association and Thai Life Assurance Association by requesting their members of the life and non-life insurance companies to closely monitor such situation that affected people whose benefit was damaged by natural disasters and to alleviate and the remedy on a timely manner. By coordinating with agencies in various areas, the benefit of insured people whose life, body and property being affected and damaged, should be prevented and well prepared against such natural disasters and the damage to life, body, and property of the insured should be investigated and accurately, speedily and fairly remedied by the life and non-life insurance companies. The summary of damage and compensation reports of the natural disasters had to be sent to the OIC for monitoring.
In addition, the 8th and 9th OIC regional offices have been ordered to integrate close monitor of the situation as follows:
1. Integrated facilitation to the agencies in various areas expectedly affected to the insured persons in order to monitor the situation and have healing measures against the damage to life, body, and property and determine the preventive measures against the probably natural disasters occurred.
2. Coordinating with local life and non-life insurance companies to expedite the damage investigation and determine the correct, speedy and fair compensation to the suffering insured.
3. Monitoring and reporting the damage situation with comments on the Secretary-General's orders, and submitting such report to the OIC’s t Secretary-General via the Promotion Strategy Department.
4. In the case of emergency, the office directors of the 8th and 9th OIC regional offices (Surat Thani & Songkhla offices) can communicate with the OIC’s t Secretary-General directly.
In addition, there was also a rehearsal video conference between the OIC central Office and the 8th and 9th OIC regional offices for the maximum operation and situation monitoring efficiency in order to assist the insured persons who would be affected from the natural disaster. Three main measures have been set. Firstly, coordinate with various agencies both the public and private sector responsible in the areas of preventive measures in monitoring the situation closely. The example is coordinating with the private sector, such as the Provincial Chamber of Commerce or Provincial Insurance Club to provide a non-flooding parking space for the insured cars in order to reduce the effect of flooded cars.
Secondly, of the areas that were affected by natural disasters and for the remedial measure to heal the victims, the 8th and 9th OIC regional offices had to integrate and coordinate working and insurance information gathering, disaster survey coordinating and damage assessments, damage information collecting, coordinating, tracking and timely, accurate and fair compensation expediting. Emphasizing to adhere to the guidelines for the payment of car insurance that had been used during the 2011 flood situation, it is to prevent the exploitation of the insured which their cars were damaged by the flood.
Thirdly, provide the restoration measure by probably issuance of the OIC’s ordinance to allowing the insured of the affected windstorm area to waive some insurance policy conditions, such as deferring the premium payments or allowing the life and non-life insurance agent and broker to delay the license renew requesting, including postponement of the new license examination. The proposal should be requested to the Secretary-General for approval promptly.
Any need to provide various consumer goods to the public, the 8th and 9th OIC regional offices should immediately coordinate with the central office. "I would like to emphasize that the Office of Insurance Commission will utilize full strength and network under its authority to assist the insured and the people who were affected by this tropical storm” mentioned Dr. Suthiphon.