If you own a car or motorbike in Thailand, you already know you need that annual sticker for your tax renewal. That’s your Por Ror Bor (พ.ร.บ.), officially known as the Road Accident Victims Protection Act.

What surprises many expats is what this mandatory insurance actually covers when an accident happens. Here’s a quick breakdown:

PorRorBor

1. It Covers People, Not Vehicles

The most important thing to understand is that Por Ror Bor only covers medical expenses and loss of life.

It does not pay for:

  • Repairs to your vehicle
  • Repairs to another person’s vehicle
  • Property damage such as walls, fences, or storefronts

2. Thailand Uses a Two-Tier Payout System

Tier 1: Initial Payment

Paid within 7 days, regardless of who was at fault.

  • Medical expenses: Up to 30,000 THB
  • Death or permanent disability: 35,000 THB

Tier 2: Full Compensation

Paid after fault is determined, typically for the non-fault party.

  • Total medical coverage: Up to 80,000 THB
  • Death or total disability: 500,000 THB
  • Daily inpatient allowance: 200 THB per day (up to 20 days)

3. Who Is Covered?

Por Ror Bor covers:

  • Passengers in your vehicle
  • Pedestrians or bystanders injured by the vehicle
  • The driver of the other vehicle if you are at fault

Important: If you are the at-fault driver, you are only eligible for the Tier 1 medical payment of up to 30,000 THB.

4. The Major Gaps

Por Ror Bor is designed as a basic legal requirement, so it leaves several important gaps.

It does not include:

  • Vehicle theft coverage
  • Fire coverage
  • Third-party property damage coverage
  • Repairs to your own vehicle

The Bottom Line

Por Ror Bor keeps you legal and provides a basic safety net for medical emergencies, but it will not protect you financially if your vehicle is badly damaged or if you cause damage to an expensive vehicle or property.

For better protection and peace of mind, many expats choose additional voluntary insurance such as Type 1, 2+, or 3 coverage to help cover repair costs and liability expenses.

Drive safe, everyone.

Information provided by: Average Thai Joe