No one left behind: Thailand gives biggest hint yet that expats will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccines

 

REUTERS FILE PHOTO for reference only

 

Thailand’s health minister on Monday gave the strongest indication yet that expats residing in the country will be included in the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination. 

 

Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul  said that all  residents in Thailand, including foreigners could even be given the vaccination free of charge.

 

“The 63 million doses of the vaccination are enough to cover the public, and it’s within our capacity to provide free vaccinations,” Anutin said. 

 

“Our policy is to not leave anyone behind and we must inoculate anyone at risk of spreading the virus, not only Thais. So the vaccines will cover everyone that resides in Thailand.”

 

Anutin was speaking amid growing criticism regarding Thailand’s slow rollout of the vaccination. 

 

And while the government has outlined the stages for which Thai nationals will receive the vaccination, information on if or when foreigners will be included in the rollout had not been forthcoming, until now. 

 

Anutin said that 200,000 doses of the Chinese CoronaVac will arrive in Thailand later this month, followed by a supply of the AstraZeneca vaccine, Bangkok Biz News reported. 

 

Thailand will then begin domestic production of  61 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Officials have indicated that production of the vaccine will begin around May or June. 

 

By the end of April, a further 2 million doses of the Sinovac will arrive in Thailand, which will be given to those deemed most in need,  such as front line health care  workers and those with underlying health conditions. 

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2021-02-09

9 minutes ago, webfact said:

Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul  said that all  residents in Thailand, including foreigners could even be given the vaccination free of charge.

Really, Really, Lets say that a few more times.  I hope he is sincere as there is a very large number of expats in the sector requiring vaccinations due to being in the higher priority categories.  Then of course all of the millions of migrant workers that should also be vaccinated as they work in the service industries.

Chinese coranavac for us. 

6 minutes ago, webfact said:

could even be given the vaccination free of charge.

Could is the key word here.

6 minutes ago, webfact said:

“The 63 million doses of the vaccination are enough to cover the public, and it’s within our capacity to provide free vaccinations,” Anutin said. 

It may well be in your capacity to provide it for free, however, lining your pockets will be behind the decision to charge some people.

Well let's not knock it already it's good news to hopefully get rid of C19 in the Thai population.

I am quite happy to pay for mine, with the proviso that it doesn't cost me an exorbitant figure. Giving it free to everyone is a smart idea, which leaves me concerned as we don't see smart decisions here all that often. The Anutin backflip should be expected.

3 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

Chinese coranavac for us. 

Could is the key word here.

I have never seen anything given free to expats in Thailand.  This would be a first.

I will only believe it when I've had my jabs. And am quite willing to pay.

 

I'm hoping the Chinese vaccine is all used up by the time they get around to expats, rather pay for Astra Zeneca vaccine then get a free SinoVac.

19 minutes ago, webfact said:

Anutin said that 200,000 doses of the Chinese CoronaVac will arrive in Thailand later this month, followed by a supply of the AstraZeneca vaccine,

 

Paryut: "Does this China vaccine even work?"

 

Anutin: "Donno."

 

Today, Health and Concrete Minister Anutin announced the roughly 200,000 farangs in Thailand will be vaccinated, first.

 

Encouraging words, but I would welcome clarity on *how* they identify foreigners 'residing' in Thailand.  I hope that doesn't mean people with PR.  Will it be those on a non-O, non-OA, non-B, taxpayers etc...

He said "residing in Thailand"

Foreigners on non-immigrant visas aren't considered as residents, but as temporary visitors.

So if this turns out to only apply to permanent residents he wasn't lying.

Get your wallet out.

End of.

TIT.

23 minutes ago, Husain Tula said:

I have never seen anything given free to expats in Thailand.  This would be a first.

Not true

Frowns are free and plentiful. here.

27 minutes ago, Kwasaki said:

Well let's not knock it already it's good news to hopefully get rid of C19 in the Thai population.

Just watch,  they may offer it but I bet it will only be to those with PR. Too many retirees here have multiple physical problems & are very high risk.  Many married have similar problems.  Many younger ones with work permits are covered by SS scheme & are relatively healthy.  It sounds a lot like this cheap electricity billing for 2 months,  very difficult to obtain a discount unless your useage skyrockets which negates the whole point.  It's all just for show

I, for one, will not be lining up to get a free SinoVac jab (if I qualify). Would rather pay at a private hospital for a western alternative and at least I will have a receipt!

34 minutes ago, Husain Tula said:

I have never seen anything given free to expats in Thailand.  This would be a first.

the Thaichana and Morchana app are free

34 minutes ago, Husain Tula said:

I have never seen anything given free to expats in Thailand.

As a regular customer in markets, people throw in something free for me sometimes... 

18 minutes ago, drbrit said:

Encouraging words, but I would welcome clarity on *how* they identify foreigners 'residing' in Thailand.  I hope that doesn't mean people with PR.  Will it be those on a non-O, non-OA, non-B, taxpayers etc...

O-A should get it free considering we have to pay for ridiculous insurance above and beyond the same exact extension requirements for O visas. But i'm not holding my breath.

24 minutes ago, tonray said:

I'm hoping the Chinese vaccine is all used up by the time they get around to expats, rather pay for Astra Zeneca vaccine then get a free SinoVac.

Then again, if everyone else gets the vaccination, then I don't think I will need one... 

Just now, 1FinickyOne said:

As a regular customer in markets, people throw in something free for me sometimes... 

VD is also free in Thailand.

Just now, quake said:

VD is also free in Thailand.

funny, those kinds of places would make a guy like me pay... 

12 minutes ago, quake said:

Not true

Frowns are free and plentiful. here.

So is the term "Hello Hansum man", it is free as well, but comes with a no money back guarantee if you fall for the line...

49 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

Chinese coranavac for us. 

Could is the key word here.

Just like Pre-Op vs Post-Op! ????

4 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

So is the term "Hello Hansum man", it is free as well, but comes with a no money back guarantee if you fall for the line...

My Moral Standing in LOS tends to always Lie down.....never easy being Hansum 2 Mutt.... Bai Nai?   Where u go??? I go with youuuuuuuu??........(brow breaks out in sweat) ????

47 minutes ago, webfact said:

Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul  said that all  residents in Thailand, including foreigners could even be given the vaccination free of charge.

How many times in the last year has he said things that had to be retracted within a day or so.

What he said makes a lot of sense, as vaccinating Thais living with foreigners and not vaccinating the foreigners, makes no sense at all.

A family living together, irrespective of nationality, should be treated as a single entity, not as a number of different aged people, say grandfather gets vaccinated and the grandchildren don't, that puts the grandfather at risk as a vaccination is not a 100% guarantee that he couldn't be infected.

14 minutes ago, cyril sneer said:

the Thaichana and Morchana app are free

They get your money with all the  stickers and ring tones! ????

11 minutes ago, 1FinickyOne said:

funny, those kinds of places would make a guy like me pay... 

Thainess 101 ????

No thanks

2 minutes ago, ChakaKhan said:

Thainess 101 ????

And rightfully so... have nearly a 50 year history here... reaches beyond Loi Kroh...