Guidelines and Measures Related to Insurance to Protect Space Tourists in Thailand
Main Article Content
Abstract
Space tourism is a burgeoning sector of the new space economy, garnering significant attention worldwide. However, this industry carries inherent risks at every stage. Therefore, there is a need for research studies to prepare insurance options for space tourists, aimed at mitigating potential dangers. The results of the current study indicate that existing insurance definitions, concepts, theories, and principles can be applied in preparing insurance for space tourists. However, global society still lacks clarity on insurance measures to cover the risks associated with space tourism. Notably, national space laws and/or national guidelines in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Thailand do not mandate insurance for space tourists. Moreover, within Thailand’s insurance industry, it is evident that there are no policies, laws, or practices specifically related to the protection of space tourists. Therefore, it is deemed appropriate to propose the following guidelines and measures to address the aforementioned problems in Thailand: Firstly, prepare and/or revise Thailand’s space policies and laws to ensure clarity and continuity. Secondly, promote initiatives aimed at ensuring the protection of space tourists. Thirdly, advocate for the development of insurance policies tailored specifically for space tourists. Finally, undertake additional actions related to space tourism, such as establishing a statistical database to catalog risks and other pertinent information.
Article Details
References
AXA Insurance. “Group Travel Accident Policy for Tour Operator and Tour Guide.” Accessed May 30, 2022. https://www.axa.co.th/travel-insurance-for-tour-operator [In Thai]
Bangkok Insurance. “Tour Operators and Tour Guides Accident Insurance (TA TOUR).” Accessed May 30, 2022. https://www.bangkokinsurance.com/th/product/travel [In Thai]
Birds, John and Hird, Norma J. Birds’ Modern Insurance Law. 5th ed. London: Sweet & Maxwell, 2001.Chamrat Khemacharu. Explanation of the Civil and Commercial Code regarding insurance. 3rd ed. Bangkok: Yongphon Trading, 1987. [In Thai]
Federal Aviation Administration. “U.S. Human Space Flight Safety Record.” Accessed February 9, 2024. https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/HSF%20Safety%20Record%20Data%20with%20footnotes%20-%20Final_9%20Feb%202024.pdf
Hasneziri, Luan. “The Principle of Autonomy of Contractual Will.” European Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies 8, no. 1 (2023): 134-147.
Hobe, Stephan and Cloppenburg, Jurgen. “Towards a New Aerospace Convention? Selected Legal Issues of “Space Tourism”.” Proceedings of the Colloquium on the Law of Outer Space 47 (2004): 377-385.
Karnthida Promsavast. “Guidelines for Promoting the Scuba Diving Tourism in Thailand.” Master’s thesis, National Institute of Development Administration, 2020. [In Thai]
Khanna, Monit. “Space Travel Insurance: Richard Branson And Jeff Bezos’ Space Trip Not Insured.” Last modified July 12, 2021. Accessed December 27, 2023. https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/science-and-future/space-tourism-space-insurance-travel-544767.html
MSIG Insurance (Thailand). “Group Travel Accident Insurance.” Accessed May 30, 2022. https://www.msig-thai.com/th/business-insurance/group-travel-accident-insurance [In Thai]
Napawat Suebnusorn and Chukeat Noichim. “Measures to Promote Thailand’s Space Business: A Case of Space Insurance.” Proceedings of Innovation for Sustainable Local Development by the Association of Professional Development of Educational Administration of Thailand (APDEAT) No. 47 in collaboration with the Graduate Studies in Northern Rajabhat University (GNRU) No. 23, 3, (2023): 367-382. [In Thai]
Pitts, Antoine. “Space Tourism Policy: Why the World’s Space-Faring Nations Should Adopt A Code of Conduct to Control Outer Space Activities.” Southwestern Journal of International Law 18 (2012): 687-706.
Prasert Pompongsuk. International air law. Bangkok: Winyuchon, 2002. [In Thai]
Ryabinkin, Charity Trelease. “Let there be Flight: It’s Time to Reform the Regulation of Commercial Space Travel.” Journal of Air Law and Commerce 69, no. 1 (2004): 101-138.
Sanunkorn Sotthibandhu. Explanation of Legal Contracts. 21st ed. Bangkok: Winyuchon, 2017. [In Thai]
Sittichoke Sricharoen. Principles of Insurance Law. Bangkok: Winyuchon, 2018. [In Thai]
Suthum Phongsamran, Phungjai Phuengnich and Wirat Na Songkhla. Principles of life Insurance. 3rd ed. Bangkok: O.S. Printing House, 1999. [In Thai]
Suwijak Chandaphan. “The Legal Status of Tourists in Space Tourism.” The Journal of Law, Public Administration and Social Science 3, no. 2 (2019): 71-86. [In Thai]
Taghdiri, Adrian. “Flags of Convenience and the Commercial Space Fight Industry: The Inadequacy of Current International Law to Address the Opportune Registration of Space Vehicles in Flag States.” Boston University Journal of Science and Technology Law 19 (2013): 405-431.
The Viriyah Insurance. “Tour Operators and Tour Guides Accident Insurance.” Accessed May 30, 2022. https://www.viriyah.co.th/products/business-liability/tour-operators-and-tour-guides-accident-insurance/ [In Thai]
Thitiwadi Chaiwat. Risk Management and Insurance in the 21st Century. Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University Press, 2009. [In Thai]
Thumrongsak Damrongsiri and Warach Madhyamapurush. “The Integrated Scuba Tourism Management Case Study at Koh Tao, Koh Tao District, Phangan, Surathanee.” Rajapark Journal 11, no. 21 (2017): 10-22. [In Thai]
Wall, Mike. “Axiom Space Targeting November 2023 for 3rd Private Astronaut Mission to Space Station.” Last modified March 16, 2023. Accessed June 26, 2024. https://www.space.com/axiom-space-ax-3-astronaut-mission-november-2023
Yun, Zhao. “A Legal Regime for Space Tourism: Creating Legal Certainty in Outer Space.” Journal of Air Law and Commerce 74, no. 4 (2009): 959-982.