Skål International Bangkok is set to host its monthly networking luncheon on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, at The Landmark Bangkok on Sukhumvit Road. The event, running from 11:30 to 14:00, will feature a presentation by Tom Thomson, CEO of BSI Insurance Broker Limited, titled “Healthcare in Thailand: Are You Properly Covered?”
For travel industry professionals—whether they are airline executives on regional postings, hotel general managers, or tour operators running businesses in the kingdom—health insurance is a critical but often overlooked component of expatriate life. Thomson’s session aims to demystify the local healthcare and insurance landscape, helping attendees assess whether their current policies would truly protect them and their families in a medical emergency.
Why Healthcare Coverage Matters for Travel Professionals
The question of adequate coverage is particularly relevant for those who move frequently across borders. A standard travel insurance policy may not cover long-term stays, and local Thai health insurance schemes can vary significantly in terms of inpatient versus outpatient benefits, exclusions, and direct billing arrangements with private hospitals. Thomson, who leads a brokerage specializing in expatriate and corporate health plans, will offer practical guidance on navigating these complexities.
“The right health coverage is about more than policies and premiums,” said a Skål Bangkok spokesperson. “It’s about peace of mind for themselves, their families, and the people who depend on them.” The luncheon will also provide ample time for the informal networking that has long been a hallmark of Skål events, reinforcing the organization’s motto, “Doing Business Among Friends.”
Bangkok’s status as a regional hub for aviation and hospitality continues to grow, with recent developments such as flydubai doubling its Bangkok capacity and the upcoming World Travel & Culture Expo 2026 attracting global attention. As the city prepares to host 15,000 delegates for the IMF-World Bank meetings, the need for robust healthcare planning among industry professionals becomes even more pronounced.
The luncheon menu includes a choice of salmon fillet with sorrel cream sauce, Chicken Wellington with pancetta and mushroom duxelles, or roasted cauliflower with romesco sauce for vegetarians. Dessert is Bonet Piemontese chocolate custard with Amaretto. Cocktails, wine, beer, and soft drinks are included.
Skål Bangkok extends its thanks to event supporters: McQuillan Wines, Flow Inter, Sloan’s Beer, Bangkok Vodka, Move Ahead Media, BSI Insurance Broker Limited, CQLAR, and Healthi Life.
Pricing is set at THB 1,000 for Young Skål members, THB 1,200 for Skål members and their guests, and THB 1,900 for non-members. Guests introduced by a Skål member receive the member rate. Reservations can be made by emailing [email protected].
For those in the travel trade, this luncheon offers a rare opportunity to combine professional development with peer networking in a relaxed setting. As Bangkok continues to position itself as a leading MICE destination—evidenced by the IMF-World Bank delegate influx—events like this underscore the importance of personal preparedness in a dynamic industry.
Skål International, with chapters worldwide, remains a key platform for travel professionals to exchange ideas and build business relationships. This luncheon is a prime example of how the organization blends social engagement with substantive content, ensuring that members leave with more than just a good meal.
