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What is the current status of compulsory travel insurance for entering Thailand?
Thailand travel insurancevisa requirements Thailandcompulsory insuranceexpat advicemedical insurance regulations
Apr 9, 2026
22 days ago
Steve ******
ORIGINAL POSTERIs there a start date for the compulsory insurance to enter Thailand yet?
TLDR : Answer Summary
There is currently no official announcement regarding a start date for compulsory insurance for entering Thailand. Discussions are ongoing, and while there are rumors circulating, many participants in the comments suggest that these claims lack backing from government sources. The consensus emphasizes the importance of having travel insurance regardless of mandatory regulations, especially given the high costs of health care in Thailand. Many also express skepticism about official policy changes, suggesting that any such requirements may still be a long way off.
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Ian *********
They take forever to implement anything but insurance is something you should be getting anyway.
Colin ********
Just buy it , who travels without insurance?
Jacques **********
Why wait for a compulsory date. It should always be part of your itinerary uness you like to tempt fate and hope for the best you dont fall ill or have an accident.
Andrew ********
A proposal to pay for hospital treatment if you have an accident whilst in Thailand, however insurance companies don't cover this....
Another well thought out plan by Thai logic ...
If they want to implement this, then they need to underwrite the policy..
EG 5-10k for 30 days coverage upto ........ baht etc
Another well thought out plan by Thai logic ...
If they want to implement this, then they need to underwrite the policy..
EG 5-10k for 30 days coverage upto ........ baht etc
LJ ***************
Yes when travel first began
L **************
Another Thai ass backwards solution to a problem that doesn't exist. SMH
Elías ********
Naah, same as changing visa exempt from 60 to 30 days, same as the 300 baht tourist tax. It's just plans.
Trace *******
Been there seven times never without insurance
Bill *********
If your going to another country and don’t have Travel Insurance that covers up to $50K in medical your an idiot .
Christer *****
If you pay for your tickets with a good card you probably got travel insurance
Richard ******
Just get it.dont be such a cheap charlie
Nigel ***********
They made it a rule easy enough during covid so wouldn't take much to enforce it again
Tony ********
What I read the amount low life like you do stupid things and art covered
Valère *************************
Yes, it's called "Common sense time"
Why on Earth would you consider travelling abroad without a 1st class travel insurance?
Why on Earth would you consider travelling abroad without a 1st class travel insurance?
Thom **********
Valère Jesse Geurts Khaikaew no travel insurance for me
Valère *************************
Thom Kinoshta Because there's always cryfunding,.. errr,... crowdfunding, right?
Thom **********
Valère Jesse Geurts Khaikaew I have health insurance and don't ride a motorcycle in Thailand. so far, I am still ahead and you are behind
Reply to
Thom **********
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Leonard ******
Self insure, good balance on card and rtn air ticket, the rest is common sense safety measures and prescription meds from UK(?)
Gerar ********
Somebody heard a rumour and thinks that it’s already done and dusted. 😂😂
Till now it’s only a rumour.
Till now it’s only a rumour.
Peter **********
Insurance for what?
Pregnancy?
Pregnancy?
Thom **********
Peter H Bates travel insurance. Thailand losing millions of $ from motorcycle accident nonpayment
Reply to
Thom **********
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Marky *******
Who travels without insurance lol..
Neil ********
If it’s in the Bangkok post it’s going to happen
Stephen *********
Maybe its good advise not to talk about things such as this,unless you are 1 that likes to keep on paying out its not the brightest idea shall we say .
Mark ********
I cannot believe that you are thinking of coming to Thailand without insurance!
The amount of people that have accidents is staggering
The amount of people that have accidents is staggering
BC ********
Where did you see that the government decided you need insurance ? Answer : nowhere, unless as fake news.
Andrew ***********
There's been no official announcement as yet. It's only talk at this point.
Jo ****
They might change their mind several times before it it is implemented. Don't worry,you've got 10 years of grace.
Eric **********
Always have insurance !!!
Jared ********
Who the hell travels without insurance?
Thom **********
Jared Yindee me
Bill *********
Jared Yindee lots of dumb people mostly the young ones .
Alan **********
Jared Yindee I think you'd be surprised,,,,,
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Alan **********
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Paul *************
It has not been announced to whether they will go ahead or not to make it that you must have some kind of insurance.To come into the kingdom i can see. There's a lot of mixed reactions on here
But let's have some straight facts. So I had a heart attack out of the blue two years ago.My travel insurance went from thirty seven pound a month to 2 hundred and forty seven a month and the joe cause I was not covered for my health conditions.My heart attack was a one off.I had plates and screws repairing my shoulder not a lot.I can do about missing cartilage in the knee but I would not be covered to take it out in the UK
But because I come to live here, I manage to get a bank account with bangkok for less then 3 hundred pounds i got accidental cover.
And another three hundred pounds top total health check from the hospital.With x rays, MRI's the works. I'm told of any potential health concerns. They may have, thankfully I'm in a very good health. Most of mine were down to injuries or the stent was down to family history.As my mum has now four stents. So yeah, you can say people are fool for not coming with insurance, but if they plan to come live here, there is other options, as I found out with my Thai wife. Sorting it out for me and thankfully she did, because I recently spent a great at night in the hospital. When my earth drilling machine jammed and twisted my wrists i amit it was lovely spending the night.What was more like a hotel than hospital?Having a 2 to 1 with two nurses looking after me because they had put a cast on the wrist and the pain relief needle in the other hand I couldn't bathe myself even had them showering on me down and fresh pyjamas like every six hours? Even though it was lovely icon room with microwave fridge, room service for food lol
When I showed the insurance card, it was milked every procedure. After checking they said i was covered for they could,do on that insurance cover .They carried out lol so yeah, it would be unwise to come without any cover. For a holiday But for long-term, or if you're coming to live here, there is options available. And I must say it was quite enjoyable you wouldn't get that kind of service treatment or quality food in the u k lol
But let's have some straight facts. So I had a heart attack out of the blue two years ago.My travel insurance went from thirty seven pound a month to 2 hundred and forty seven a month and the joe cause I was not covered for my health conditions.My heart attack was a one off.I had plates and screws repairing my shoulder not a lot.I can do about missing cartilage in the knee but I would not be covered to take it out in the UK
But because I come to live here, I manage to get a bank account with bangkok for less then 3 hundred pounds i got accidental cover.
And another three hundred pounds top total health check from the hospital.With x rays, MRI's the works. I'm told of any potential health concerns. They may have, thankfully I'm in a very good health. Most of mine were down to injuries or the stent was down to family history.As my mum has now four stents. So yeah, you can say people are fool for not coming with insurance, but if they plan to come live here, there is other options, as I found out with my Thai wife. Sorting it out for me and thankfully she did, because I recently spent a great at night in the hospital. When my earth drilling machine jammed and twisted my wrists i amit it was lovely spending the night.What was more like a hotel than hospital?Having a 2 to 1 with two nurses looking after me because they had put a cast on the wrist and the pain relief needle in the other hand I couldn't bathe myself even had them showering on me down and fresh pyjamas like every six hours? Even though it was lovely icon room with microwave fridge, room service for food lol
When I showed the insurance card, it was milked every procedure. After checking they said i was covered for they could,do on that insurance cover .They carried out lol so yeah, it would be unwise to come without any cover. For a holiday But for long-term, or if you're coming to live here, there is options available. And I must say it was quite enjoyable you wouldn't get that kind of service treatment or quality food in the u k lol
Stephen *********
I always get travel insurance. If you can't afford travel insurance don't travel. Can't help stupid.
Thom **********
Stephen Hannant I never buy travel insurane. I also do not ride a motorcycle
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Thom **********
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Michael ********
Just goverment playing with ideas
Ant ***********
?
Guy ****************
no but it is not smart to travel without a comprehensive travel insurance policy
Will *****
Guy Lindsay-Watson If the plane goes down instead of up. What's the good of travel insurance? You even get cremated for your ticket price. 😄
Guy ****************
Will Den somewhat unlikely on a commercial aircraft
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Guy ****************
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Brett *****
Ffs why would you travel without insurance so du mb
Wayne *********
Why do you need to ask? If you can’t afford travel insurance you can’t afford to travel. Don’t burden others with your unexpected medical expenses.
Thom **********
Wayne Jeffrey wrong, I don't want travel insurance
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Thom **********
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Bryan ******
I guess you were talking about an OA Visa in which case you always require insurance.
Darren ********
I’ve brought 1 year travel insurance with £20Million health cover etc etc
Only around £50
What’s the problem 🤷♂️
Only around £50
What’s the problem 🤷♂️
Julie ********
Darren Holmes for how long - max no of days per trip?
Darren ********
Julie Wilson
Well that might be the problem
I travel to Phuket 3 to 4 times a year for around 21 days at a time . But the maximum days on my insurance is 32 days in one go
Well that might be the problem
I travel to Phuket 3 to 4 times a year for around 21 days at a time . But the maximum days on my insurance is 32 days in one go
Tony ********
and I’m guessing your young. That sure brings the price down.
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Tony ********
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Jim *********
What compulsory insurance?
Thom **********
Jim Skinner Thailand losing millions of $ in nonpayment. mostly motorcycle accidents
Jim *********
Thom Kinoshta that may be but as far as I know there is no compulsory insurance planned
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Jim *********
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Paul **********
Trolling post, surely
Ian ********
Yesterday
David ********
Ask the three top artificial intelligence platforms the same question and cross-examine, fact check, etc. But wait. Why would anybody live in Thailand without good medical insurance anyway? 
Will *****
David Wright some people are denied insurance outright. The elderly and those with considered existing medical conditions. I'm one of them pal.
BC ********
David Wright Because some of us can afford not to be insured, which might be easier.
Robert ********
David Wright maybe because some people are older and may have pre existing conditions like high blood pressure where insurance would cost a fortune.
David ********
Robert Lummis I hear you, and it’s also the case that there is likely some form of insurance for everyone even if it’s limited with a high deductible. A little good insurance is better than none at all especially when you are trying to get a bed in a hospital. Either way, I still say that deep researching this with Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT will help a person with their plans and decision-making processes, including researching a good insurance company and policy. 
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David ********
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Peter *********
Het is een artikel dat geplaatst is door Bangkok Post dat iedere toerist nu verplicht een reisverzekering moet afsluiten zodat alle eventuele ziekenhuisopnames en dergelijke verzekerd zijn. De ziekenhuizen betalen nu jaarlijks 10 miljoen bath aan niet verzekerde buitenlanders
BC ********
Peter Pieters wrong ! It is only an idea which is being considered.
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BC ********
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John ********
Yesterday !
Raymond *********
The start date will be when they make the décision. There has been talks about it for a few years now. Whether it becomes compulsory or not it is still à damn good idea to have it.
We are talking about traveler's insurance, not long stay. And if it's available for any reason or too expensive, maybe you should not come
We are talking about traveler's insurance, not long stay. And if it's available for any reason or too expensive, maybe you should not come
Marcus *******
@Raymond ********
It will no doubt be corrupt. It will be Thai approved insurance companies and when are they going to insure their iwn people? Its not like foriegners are taking advantage of their generous medical system. When you have insurance medical bills go through the roof. There are hospitals on for example koh chang that only accept insured tpursts and charge £1000 per day.Raymond *********
Marcus Baker
Raymond *********
Marcus Baker Beside complaining there is not much we can do about it.
Thailand belongs to thai. We are only guest here and have to obey their laws. If we don't agree, we are always free to leave. Some will, some won't.
Thailand belongs to thai. We are only guest here and have to obey their laws. If we don't agree, we are always free to leave. Some will, some won't.
Reply to
Raymond *********
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John ********
No, its a proposal only
James **********
The downside of social media, rumours and misinformation spread easily
Graham ******
James Mitchell and feeds AI which then helps to spread the misinformation
Reply to
Graham ******
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Anthony **********
Where you can gain some usefull advice on fbook there are some things such as government decisions that you should not get concerned about until the gouvernment actually speaks.....
Anthony **********
Like the question was about visa....cock
Anthony **********
John Kennedy thank you for that you obviously did not understand what I wrote 👍
John *********
Anthony Phillips really you’re a fool if you actually take information from Facebook and believe it without checking it with an actual government site because there’s nothing on here about lies and bullshit and people who have never traveled giving travel advice. It’s like taking legal advice from someone on TikTok. According to Facebook, I can sit on my chair with my fat belly and exercise for seven minutes a day and then 30 days. I’m gonna look like a samurai warrior or I can put $20 in an AI investment and then three months I’m going to be a millionaire. These are the things that have replaced the  Nigerian Prince that was gonna give me $1 million to help him transfer his inheritance to the United States.
Greg *******
John Kennedy Wow you really need to read Anthony Phillips comment again!😆😆
Jeff *********
Greg Slack I was confused 😂👍
Reply to
Jeff *********
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Stuart *********
Why would you join a group about visa advise or even bothering answering someone if you believe there is no use of the group’s existence.
The whole reason for the group is to answer questions people have about visas. The admins and mods know their stuff. Sure you’ll get BS answers from some but you learn pretty quick who knows what.
Feel free to leave the group if you feel it’s of no benefit.
Oh and good luck on finding that government website that gives you correct and up to date accurate information.
The whole reason for the group is to answer questions people have about visas. The admins and mods know their stuff. Sure you’ll get BS answers from some but you learn pretty quick who knows what.
Feel free to leave the group if you feel it’s of no benefit.
Oh and good luck on finding that government website that gives you correct and up to date accurate information.
Paul *********************
John Kennedy absolutely correct.
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Paul *********************
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Stephen *******
Why would you want to travel without full cover travel insurance?
Kent **********************
Stephen Croft Why would you answer a question with another question
Roger ****************
Stephen Croft because the health insurance industry is a massive scam.
Jacques **********
Roger Asimenios-Webb ok so is that why so many british moms put up a help me fund to pay for her sons medical bills in thailand? So you take the risk and rhen the host country must have you as a liability? Thats very bright. Or facebook is swamped by posts for donations to help someone that took the risk and lost the bet?
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Jacques **********
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Thom **********
Stephen Croft I never buy travel insurance, why? you in the business?
Jay ****
Stephen Croft many people don't realize if you carge flights and such on credit cards, they provide a reasonable amount of medical coverage. As a scuba instructor i also have FAN insurance which provides amazing coverage and repatriation if there is a problem. Read the fine print. Many scam travel insurance work there bs policies to deny you for simple things like hot air balloon rides, 4wd excursion, hiking etc. They thing u should shit in your room or beach and do nothing.
Andy **********
Stephen Croft Because so many visitors are complete bell ends with a gobegme attitude.
Darren **********
Andy Johnston Trump is a bell end!
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Darren **********
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Glenn *****
Stephen Croft they are not thinking about travel insurance. What has been done before, think OA visa, would be a government selected policy which would be of little use. Also, the majority of the unpaid medical incidents are motorbike acdents. And most of those are rentals with improper licenses which would not be paid by the insurance anyway
Rob *******
Stephen Croft Please let me know where a 68yr old solo sailing around the world can get insurance
John ********
Rob Watts
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5&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=*****
1889&gbraid=0AAAAADqWv88sMqBrGMnPaShuwpGUyLFQM&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn_ie0_XgkwMVzVF_AB0eoAmlEAAYASAAEgIs0fD_BwENigel *********
Rob Watts what’s that got to do with Thailand making it compulsory to have travel insurance before visiting here?
Rob *******
Nigel Vincent Because I will be there soon....again!! Not too difficult for you to understand is it???
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Rob *******
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Stephen *******
Rob Watts I don't know. If you can't afford to cover such emergencies, don't solo sail around the world. Or wear a DNR bracelet
Baron ***********************
Stephen Croft
What an ignorant comment.
Guess what, LOTS of people invested and saved their money, and are able to self-insure. If you have ANY kind of preexisting conditions, insurance won’t cover, and probably 99.9% of issues they will somehow connect to that preexisting condition and deny coverage, SO-
It’s just easier to self-insure.
What an ignorant comment.
Guess what, LOTS of people invested and saved their money, and are able to self-insure. If you have ANY kind of preexisting conditions, insurance won’t cover, and probably 99.9% of issues they will somehow connect to that preexisting condition and deny coverage, SO-
It’s just easier to self-insure.
Rob *******
Stephen Croft Thats a stupid response 🙄
Reply to
Rob *******
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Wayne *********
Rob Watts an insurance broker could arrange something.
Rob *******
Wayne Jeffrey Really!! Name one
Reply to
Rob *******
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John *********
Stephen Croft when you’re old, perhaps accident insurance could be affordable but if you’re looking for a full insurance to cover all health matters, it’s pretty caused prohibitive so sometimes you just have to make choices. If you want to travel you take risk the same way you would take a risk if you were 25 years old and you joined the marines sure you got a war and you have total health insurance but you get a bullet in your head, so what did your total insurance cover you take a risk in life not because you want to because sometimes you need to if you want to live a life that you like
Jeff **********
John Kennedy - one of the things I have decided on is to NOT rent, or sparingly get on a scooter 🛵
I think that will help my chances of NOT going to the hospital
I think that will help my chances of NOT going to the hospital
Stephen *******
John Kennedy and if you get sick or hurt on vacation how do you pay for treatment? Launch a go fund me page?
PS I'm an old fart.
PS I'm an old fart.
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Stephen *******
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John *********
Stephen Croft because at my age it cost about $4000 a month and I just have to take my chances and hope I can make it to Hawaii where my insurance is valid. I guess something serious enough I will just die. That’s the chance you take if I happen to get hit by a car and break a leg I could cover that cost. I looked into travel insurance on the  air ambulance and it’s a reasonable cost, but I’m not sure what their rules are. Probably a lot of exceptions and not policy. 
Mark ************
John Kennedy $4000 baht or dollars or what ?
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Mark ************
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Ryan *****
Insurance? I can't find any announcement from the thai government 😅
Albert *********
Many expats are beyond the age for insurance in Thailand. I don't know what the rules are for that.
Wayne *********
Albert Pezzuto there’s plenty of insurance options available for older people. Whether or not they can afford the policy, that’s the real problem.
Albert *********
Wayne Jeffrey every company i apply to in Thailand stopped after 80. You can't even advance on their online applications. Maybe, and I'm not sure about accident insurance.
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Albert *********
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Stephen ********
Albert Pezzuto I guess many won't be allowed in. Thailand shouldn't have to nurse sick old farts
BC ********
Stephen Howell might be that the majority of huge unpaid bills are young drunk machoes renting a bike.
I don't have insurance because I can pay my bills if necessary.
A few years ago I needed emergency operation. I had insurance because it was mandatory in covid time.
But guess what : direct billing was impossible because of miscommunication.
I had to pay first, which was no problem. And claim it from insurance afterwards.
So without proper funds, even when jnsured this would have been a huge problem for anyone. Moment they realised direct billing was a problem, the hospital took me hostage refusing any care at all until I paid the bill myself. Everything was quickly solved because I had enough money back-up available.
I don't have insurance because I can pay my bills if necessary.
A few years ago I needed emergency operation. I had insurance because it was mandatory in covid time.
But guess what : direct billing was impossible because of miscommunication.
I had to pay first, which was no problem. And claim it from insurance afterwards.
So without proper funds, even when jnsured this would have been a huge problem for anyone. Moment they realised direct billing was a problem, the hospital took me hostage refusing any care at all until I paid the bill myself. Everything was quickly solved because I had enough money back-up available.
Kim *********
Stephen Howell if you live long enough you will be an "old fart" - the rest of us are just old.
Gilbert ********
Stephen Howell I pay my own way, I don't have insurance but I have money
Stephen ********
Gilbert Irving I have money too, and intend keeping it! 😂. I'll pay the $1000 a year to cover any illnesses or mishaps. That's loose change to me
Dan *******
Sure sure pumpkin. That’s why you’re living in a fan room hovel , eating street food and drinking water instead of beer.
Kim *********
Dan Brown ohh you are so funny 😏 NOT
Reply to
Kim *********
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David **********
Stephen Howell If your extremely lucky you might live long enough to become a "sick old fart" and i know your reply before you even write it! . As I also know if your lucky enough to reach a grand old age you will change your view.😎
Stephen ********
David Withnall My health insurance is guaranteed until age 99. If I get to 100 I'll touch base with you again
Chris ******
Stephen Howell 😂
Robbi *******
Stephen Howell not in Thailand it isn't little Stephen with only 7 friends ya naughty little troll here shagging ladyboys ...... I don't read replies so fill yer boots conversation over 🖕
Charlie ***********
Stephen Howell who’s that with
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Charlie ***********
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Albert *********
Stephen Howell how do you know they are sick?
Petr *********************
Albert Pezzuto when they show up in a hospital
Florenz ********
Albert Pezzuto there’s always that one guy with little man syndrome.
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Florenz ********
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