todlad

56 minutes ago, Almer said:

They did but is it wise or even possible to travel to Bangkok with almost certainly 1 overnight at the age of 72 with 1 condition  that falls into the get vaxed group, i am living in Khonkaen.

Alternatively, he goes all the way back to Norway. Assuming, this story is a genuine story, it reflects badly on whoever it is who is giving grief to anyone in such a situation.

16 hours ago, sucit said:

It’s all absolute insanity. The stuff we are doing is the equivalent of the crazy person freaking out and screaming in public. It’s just all of us. 
 

Think about it. The guy is getting on planes, and into confined spaces like taxis, going through screenings with people around, all to save himself from a virus. I am criticizing the system not him. Anyone over a certain age should have easy access to the vaccines. I don’t care what passport you hold. 

Firstly, you are right: Thailand may well get caught out by the xenophobia of some of the people who take decisions on who gets vaccinated. By the way, I am sure that even children can see that the policy of leaving vulnerable foreigners until last is ridiculous.

Secondly, didn't they allow foreigners in Knut's age group to get vaccinated in and around Bangkok just a few days ago?

15 hours ago, VocalNeal said:

Steve,

We were always taught to walk facing the traffic. Then you can see what is coming. Next time.

Exactly and my children are learning the self same lesson.

On 7/22/2021 at 8:35 AM, George Bowman said:

The local hospital out here in the boonies has started vaccinating people over the age of 60. Since I’m over that threshold,  yesterday I decided to see if I could receive whatever vaccine. Basically, the officials said they were not allowed to vaccinate anyone other than Thais, but I could ask the Phitsanulok provincial authorities if they would give permission. 

 

Unfortunately, they also said no and then offered some advice on how to proceed. It was then explained that as a ‘farang’ I could pay for the vaccine from a private hospital sometime in the future. Furthermore, they said the blame for no available vaccine was really America’s fault. Why? When the US government donated the 1.5 million doses of the vaccine to Thailand, they did not stipulate that any was to be given to American citizens...

 

On the other hand, two foreigners I know here have both been vaccinated already, at the local hospital.  I haven't spoken to them since they had their jab so I don't know how they did it.

12 hours ago, Laughing Gravy said:

Wow lost for words but again no surprise. I still would like to know the true numbers in Thailand.

You will never get the true numbers here or anywhere else for that matter. Even in city states like Singapore they cannot be absolutely certain of their numbers.

The official numbers we see will be the best numbers we'll get.

I am legally married to my Thai wife so this idea does not apply to me. Moreover, I don't want to appear to be supporting this notion but I thought I would point out, though, that other jurisdictions do have the law to limit hotel guests to a legally married spouse, children etc.

Just saying!

There is justified confusion and conflated confusion aplenty in this story, of course.

Here is a true story. Two foreigner acquaintances of mine were registered for a covid-19 vaccine and were given appointments for today, 7th June. Photographic evidence received shows that one of them had the jab today. Not sure about the other chap, yet. No idea which brand of vaccine yet, either. North East Thailand and both are men over 60 years.

This xenophobic attitude to covid-19 is one of just two things that irritate me here: the standard of driving and the attitude to road deaths being the other.

Poor choice of words or not, we all read remnants, left overs, dregs, also rans.

Really poor way of talking.

I would like to bet that everyone on this thread can tell us about their Thai friends/relatives who live abroad and who have been given a covid-19 jab. No hint of sending them to the back of the queue. No hint that they might have to wait many months even though they are at risk now ...

My sister in law, living in Dubai, got her jab yesterday free of charge. She got it because it is her turn in terms of age and medical history. Nationality irrelevant. They say if you need it, you get it when you need it.

40 minutes ago, Shalom said:

I still don't want to be a laboratory rat and try experimental vaccines.

I understand and appreciate your sentiments but let's face it, they are all still experimental vaccines. For example, I read this morning that they believe they have found out why some people are getting clots with some of the vaccines. in more established vaccines, lengthier trials may well have found and solved  such problems before being released.

I remain really skeptical about the entire vaccination for foreigners process here. I know that some foreigners have been vaccinated and that is good for them. However, in spite of pronouncements and assurances, I am pretty sure I would have to wait until 2022 or even 2023, I believe that is possible, for a State jab. Given my work, I need to travel internationally. Guess who is going to pay for a private vaccination.

One small Taiwanese gave those burly Yanks a bit of a hard time. Are we sure they were marines?

2 hours ago, Sheryl said:

 

I remember these cases well. They were thoroughly investigated, including brain scans, and no clots were found. All of the women fully recovered, nothing wrong was found on extensive examonation,  and the conclusion was that the symptoms were psychogenic.

 

There have been no cases of clots or strokes linked to Sinovac or other inactivate virus vaccine.

Yes, it does say in that article that they found no clots.

35 minutes ago, placeholder said:

Can you provide a link to that report?

I linked to a report on that a short while ago and here it is again ... https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/thailand-to-continue-with-chinese-vaccine-after-side-effects-in-small-number-of-cases

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

Sinovac has nto been linked to any increase in blood clots. You may be thinking of AZ and J&J vaccines.  For those yes the percentage is around 0.001 - .002%

 

No cases of "permanent" damage have been identified  to date due to Sinovac in either the clinical trials (4 different countries, about 40,000 people) or post-authorization administration ( dozens of countries, over 100 million people vaccinated).  The only severe adverse reaction reported to date are very rare allergic reactions, which can be effectively treated.

I just needed to say, I remembered the small number of cases in Thailand from a while ago following vaccination with sinovac. They reported stroke like symptoms. Take a look as that is what I was thinking about ... https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/thailand-to-continue-with-chinese-vaccine-after-side-effects-in-small-number-of-cases

33 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Sinovac has nto been linked to any increase in blood clots. You may be thinking of AZ and J&J vaccines.  For those yes the percentage is around 0.001 - .002%

 

No cases of "permanent" damage have been identified  to date due to Sinovac in either the clinical trials (4 different countries, about 40,000 people) or post-authorization administration ( dozens of countries, over 100 million people vaccinated).  The only severe adverse reaction reported to date are very rare allergic reactions, which can be effectively treated.

Apologies ... i don't want to be seen to be adding to fake news so i welcome your correction.

I agree with your comment regarding the permanent damage assertion.

39 minutes ago, holy cow cm said:

Choice is the key issue here, freedom of choice. As far as I remember we live in a supposed Democratic country, even if you here it said it is a bit laughable using the term.. A mask does not enter your body and alter it. I understand a mask protects you and others out in public, I am ok with it if it is a must. I am not opposed to vaccine taking, but I am opposed to being led to the guillotine and told to put my head into it so they can pull the handle at their egotistical will. My choice of vaccine is not in Thailand and there are ulterior motives for this reason. When the time comes on my and my families time, we will choose what we choose and not some person or government on a tyrannical escapade because of their own ego or using oppressive behavior in order to make others rich. This Buriram control freak needs to go away.

 

 

I don't argue with much of that. A mask plus distancing plus frequent hand washing is quite effective. You are wisely pro vaccine and you are, as you say, free to make your own choice.  In the end, I don't know the legality of the Buriram suggestion but I doubt he will be able to take it too far. However, if it pushes more people down your chosen route, so much the better.

17 minutes ago, holy cow cm said:

One little story does not make a full correct real picture. There have been extreme abnormalities in Sinovac's effectiveness which leads to believe from documented reports that it is untrustworthy. Typical par for the course for stuff made in China. It seems we will not alter each one's thoughts so no need to further this conversation. You can go ahead all you like and jab it in you, but for me and my family no way Jose, and for the other matter of the fact, for the longest time now I have chosen to never ever buy any China made products ever again if there are other choices. I don't trust their vaccine, and I do not trust them telling the truth on any level. Anyway, have a good day! 

You are right that no one will change their minds here but let it be said that the real world efficacy of the sinovac vaccine is significantly better than the results they got in the trials phase. It is your right to shun Chinese products and services but in this case, maybe I helped to set the record straight.

8 hours ago, fleccer said:

How many of that 98% have had vaccine problems or permanent damage? Obviously this is not mentioned,

How many people have suffered damage due to their dirty business. Yes, dirty business, because that's what it's all about

I think you don't understand the statistics and I am guessing that you have no idea of the population size of Serrana. I had never heard of Serrana myself so, having read this, I looked it up. Population size 45,644 at a density of 940 people per square mile.

From the few examples I remember in Bangkok, the blood clot rate for the Sinovac vaccine is/was around 0.002%. Given the population of Serrana and multiplying the population by the vaccination rate of 98%, then we might expect less than one blood clot case.

As for the other problems and "permanent damage" (whatever you mean by that), I have nothing to add at this stage.

1 minute ago, Shalom said:

If you are afraid of me because I'm unvaccinated does that mean your vaccine don't work?

Yes, partly, because no vaccine is 100% foolproof is it.

There is the fear that you are unvaccinated because don't want to conform or you are just plain selfish and want to do what you want to do. You may be a danger to society because of that.

I should say this, though: the government here is promising to vaccinate local and foreigner. All of us. Locals first, then foreigner: irrational but they decided that.

In the meantime, a whole, known, group will remain at large!

More than that, no sooner was it confirmed that everyone will be protected than they raised the spectre of how foreigners can register ... no system, they say, will do their best but it will take time, they say. Then there was that idea that there will be a foreigner injection centre ... in Bangkok: 7 hour drive from me and it is said there are 3.3 million foreigners here.

In the end, many foreigners will go to their home country to be vaccinated or simply pay to be vaccinated privately and yet others of us will wait in the queue for Thailand to provide and with the best will in the world, that might mean waiting 6 months from now, a year from now.

So, while I support the sentiment of this Buriram diktat, the reality on the ground will prove it ineffectual in various ways.

Meanwhile, people who really ought to be vaccinated will not be.

4 hours ago, holy cow cm said:

Except there in life is the right to choose to what poison you would jab and the right to abstain of being of your own will. This joker is fully out of line. He is not their mom or dad, God, Jesus, or Buddha, but he is close to being a Tyrant. 

Every society has ideas, norms, regulations, laws that help to ensure life is free, secure, prosperous and so on. At the moment, the world is seeing the suspension of norms in favour of much more of a nanny state approach. I have spent my time over the last year in isolation and so have you. I wear a mask that I hate when I leave home. I wear the mask because it is mandated and because it is good for me and for you: there can be no me, me, me with mask wearing.

I did mention the relative merits of the various vaccines available and yet I believe it is wise to be vaccinated. Again, I believe we should all be vaccinated for the greater good. Otherwise, what is the alternative? More lockdown? Borders still closed. Economic depression. Continued third wave. Then a fourth wave?

There is a lot of scope for nonsense in this debate: fake news abounds. People say it is their right not to wear a mask on the ground that it's their body ... their right. Well, I have the right to be protected from you!

There are reports of blood clots following injection and other problems. Without wishing to dismiss such concerns, they relate to one case in millions.

Overall, someone has to take a stand on our behalf.

I am tired of this isolation. My work is based outside of Thailand but I am trapped inside it. I want my freedom back and I want you to have your freedom back.

On 5/13/2021 at 3:30 AM, lujanit said:

Unbelievable.  All he can think of is money when there is a public health crisis.  I wonder if any other country imposes import tax on covid vaccines.  

 

It is well beyond time Prayuth and his cronies are given their marching orders.

Since you asked, I did a quick check and the answer is yes, other countries do impose import restrictions/duties on vaccines and other medical supplies. However, from my very small sample, I found that India is waiving them and the EU has been waiving them for over a year ... that's almost 30 countries that normally tax these things.

On 5/14/2021 at 8:20 PM, kynikoi said:

 

Where you will with utmost certainty get covid.

 

Genius

High probability but not certainty.

But don't you think it's rather clever: don't want the vaccine, as a reward, you can join the list of the covid sufferers.

I have read lots of the comments on this thread and of course many of them are loopy.

I know there are doubts about the safety and efficacy of some of the vaccines but most of the stuff here is fantasy or fake news.

Anti vaxxers are nauseous and noxious people and it is good that Buriram is acting along the lines of making everyone think really seriously about their position in life!

Of course, there is a lot of significantly uncalled for biliousness in the posts in this thread so far.

As far as I know, blood clots, analphylaxis and other reactions have followed or appeared to follow an injection aimed at controlling covid-19. Not only this Chinese vaccine but those made in Europe and elsewhere. You have probably read of the comparisons of vaccination risks vis a vis smoking, driving ... life is a risk!

I am not an apologist for China or anyone else but, in the plea for balanced debate, be aware that the following guidance to Vaxzevria (formerly COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca), says this:

"Cases of unusual blood clots with low platelets have occurred in people who received Vaxzevria (formerly COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca).

• The chance of having this occur is very low, but you should still be aware of symptoms so you can get prompt medical treatment to help recovery and avoid complications.
• You must seek urgent medical attention immediately if you have any of the following symptoms in the weeks after your injection:
  • shortness of breath
  • chest pain
  • leg swelling
  • persistent abdominal (belly) pain
  • neurological symptoms, such as severe and persistent headaches or blurred vision
  • tiny blood spots under the skin beyond the site of the injection.
• Speak to your healthcare professional or contact your relevant national health authorities if you have any questions about the roll out of the vaccine in your country."

If you want the finer details: "Information for healthcare professionals

• EMA has reviewed cases of thrombosis in combination with thrombocytopenia, and in some cases bleeding, in people who received Vaxzevria (formerly COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca).

• These very rare types of thrombosis (with thrombocytopenia) included venous thrombosis in unusual sites such as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and splanchnic vein thrombosis as well as arterial thrombosis. Most of the cases reported so far have occurred in women under the age of 60 years. Most cases occurred within 2 weeks of the person receiving their first dose. There is limited experience with the second dose.
• As for the mechanism, it is thought that the vaccine may trigger an immune response leading to an atypical heparin-induced-thrombocytopenia like disorder. At this time, it is not possible to identify specific risk factors.
• Healthcare professionals should be alert to the signs and symptoms of thromboembolism and thrombocytopenia so that they can promptly treat people affected in line with available guidelines.
• Healthcare professionals should tell people receiving the vaccine that they must seek medical attention if they develop:
  • symptoms of blood clots such as shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling, persistent abdominal pain
  • neurological symptoms such as severe and persistent headaches and blurred vision
  • petechiae beyond the site of vaccination after a few days.
• The benefits of the vaccine continue to outweigh the risks for people who receive it. The vaccine is effective at preventing COVID-19 and reducing hospitalisations and deaths.
• National authorities may provide additional guidance on the roll out of the vaccine based on the situation in your country."

That is, these problems may be vaccine induced or not. A lot is already known. Some things are not known. In the final analysis, however, you have any injection and you take a risk!

1 hour ago, Bkk Brian said:

I guess 1777, purely off the top of my head

Must be using the same algorithm, then!

1 hour ago, Excel said:

Right, out to get my lottery ticket,  thanks for that ????

Fair's fair ... 50: 50 if we win!