CHAROEN KITTIKANYA
Life insurers are ready to pay the claims on behalf of policyholders who were injured or lost their lives in Tuesday's bloody clashes between police and protesters on humanitarian grounds. According to Thai Life Assurance Association president Sara Lamsam, members are ready to consider compensation even though insurance policies mostly exclude riot coverage.
Normal life insurance policies exclude coverage for damage or loss of life caused by suicide, murder or homicide.
But there is also an exemption clause in cases where the insured buys additional coverage in main accident and health policies, plus protection against riots, strikes or civil commotion.
''In this critical time, we can't adhere only to insurance principles in paying claims to customers,'' Mr Sara said.
''Insurers cannot refuse to pay claims to the insured who have participated in the protests peacefully and who were not engaged in fighting.''
According to Mr Sara, life insurance gives protection against loss of life in all cases, but for personal accident and health coverage which is affixed to the main life contract, consideration for compensation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Busara Ungphakorn, the association director, said disputes over the payment for life protection are unlikely, as all insurers are expected to capitalise on this opportunity to demonstrate their liability.
''As far as we [the association] have consulted with the Office of the Insurance Commission, the regulatory body, the event is still considered as a normal protest according to the constitution, not a riot,'' Ms Busara said.
''The clashes stemmed from the assault by police, while the protesters rallied in peace and without weapons.''
However, Mr Sara noted life insurers are eligible to reject life insurance claims if there was proof that the insured played a part in instigating or joining the fighting.
Natdanai Indrasukhsri, vice-president of the General Insurance Association, warned those who joined the rallies that they may have to pay their own medical bills as insurers had a legitimate right to deny compensation payments if they were injured or died.
The non-payment clause also covers various assets such as vehicles and residential properties.
''In principle, the general insurance policy will deny compensation payment for riots, strikes or civil commotion,'' Mr Natdanai said. ''The conditions are stated clearly in the policies.''
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