What is Compulsory Motor Insurance (Por Ror Bor) and How Do You Use It?

What is Compulsory Motor Insurance (Por Ror Bor) and How Do You Use It?

When a road accident occurs, many people hear the phrase, “You can use Por Ror Bor for up to 30,000 baht,” but may not fully understand what it means, when it applies, or what documents are needed. This article explains it in simple terms so you can use your rights correctly and quickly.

Compulsory Motor Insurance (Por Ror Bor) for Foreigners in Thailand

Foreigners in Thailand have the same compulsory motor insurance requirements as Thai citizens.

If a foreigner owns or uses a vehicle in Thailand, the vehicle must have compulsory motor insurance as required by law.
This insurance covers medical expenses resulting from road accidents.
The benefit can be used regardless of nationality (Thai citizens, foreigners, or tourists).

Health Coverage / Medical Rights for Foreigners

There is no public health scheme equivalent to Thailand’s 30-baht universal coverage for foreigners.

Instead, foreigners typically use:

Private health insurance (most common)
Employer group insurance
Travel insurance
In some cases, migrant worker health insurance funds may be available for registered foreign workers

What is Compulsory Motor Insurance (Por Ror Bor)?

Compulsory Motor Insurance (Por Ror Bor) is a legally required insurance under the Road Accident Victims Protection Act. Every vehicle must have it to protect people who are injured or killed in a road accident.

Why is Por Ror Bor important?

Helps cover initial medical expenses immediately
Can be used even if fault has not yet been determined
Covers drivers, passengers, third parties, and pedestrians

Coverage Limits of Compulsory Motor Insurance

1) Initial medical expenses (available immediately)

Reimbursed according to actual cost, up to 30,000 baht per person
Can be used as soon as treatment begins
At participating hospitals, you may not need to pay upfront

2) Additional compensation (after fault is determined)

Total medical coverage up to 80,000 baht per person
In case of death or permanent disability, additional legal compensation may apply

If medical expenses exceed the limit, you may also use:

Voluntary motor insurance
Health insurance
Other eligible benefits together

How to Use Por Ror Bor After an Accident

Go to the nearest hospital immediately
Inform the staff that you wish to use Compulsory Motor Insurance (Por Ror Bor)
Provide information about the vehicle(s) involved
The hospital will help verify your coverage and coordinate with the insurance company

Important note:
Even if documents are incomplete on the accident date, you can receive treatment first and submit additional documents later.