Thailand has utterly failed in vaccine rollout, says leading doctor

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Image: Reuters

 

A top doctor in charge of medical personnel in the Thai countryside has laid into the government of PM Prayuth Chan-ocha and the civil service over the vaccine rollout fiasco.

 

Dr Suphat Hasuwankit chief of the Rural Doctor Society said that Thailand's vaccination program was one of the slowest in the world.

 

Thailand was at the back of the queue for vaccine, said the doctor pulling no punches in a scathing attack.

 

He said the government make nothing but hollow excuses. They point to the fact that the number of Covid-19 cases has been low compared to other countries.

 

They say this is because of mask wearing, social distancing and hand washing but when it comes to providing jabs they are next to useless.

 

There is virtually no vaccine available for the general population, he told Daily News, citing regulatory and financial mismanagement. 

 

He said that the government are hiding behind the truth.

 

Other countries that do not have the potential or capability to produce vaccine are still getting doses for their people.

 

But not Thailand. 

 

He said that Thailand is just "bragging" about having the Siam Bioscience company and "being able to be self-sufficient" in vaccination capability.

 

The reality is that just small amounts of Sinovac from China and some AstraZeneca were available and now Pfizer and Sputnik vaccines were muddying the waters of the mess. 

 

Thailand's government has consistently claimed that the rollout is on track and have stated that it will begin in earnest for the general population in June when vaccine will be produced locally.

 

But Dr Suphat pointed out that this was like putting all your eggs in one basket with no assurance that the drugs would be efficacious and meet standards. 

 

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[mtls2005]

5 minutes ago, Jonathan Fairfield said:

A top doctor in charge of medical personnel in the Thai countryside has laid into the government of PM Prayuth Chan-ocha and the civil service over the vaccine rollout fiasco.

 

 

This chap will be transferred to an inactive post quickly I think. 

 

Do they still do "Attitude Adjestment"?

 

 

[Crossy]

Dr Suphat Hasuwankit - Specialist subject "The bleeding obvious".

 

Stuff all we can do about it except stick with the safe practices and hope ???? 

 

[YetAnother]

13 minutes ago, Jonathan Fairfield said:

and the civil service over the vaccine rollout fiasco

'fiasco' is starting to define this government

[Mango Bob]

For once someone is telling the truth here.  The government and it leaders failed the people.  You don't have the vaccine so you are having more deaths.  Someone should be charged with murder.  Get the vaccine here now and give jabs to everyone not only the Thai people but the foreigners who live here.  Nothing is said about them.  But they can die also,  But you do not seem to care.  This is first degree murder.

[Thaiwrath]

Thailand has utterly failed in vaccine rollout,

 

Edited April 24, 2021 by Thaiwrath

[petermik]

7 hours ago, YetAnother said:

'fiasco' is starting to define this government

been a "fiasco" since they took control....

[petermik]

7 hours ago, Mango Bob said:

For once someone is telling the truth here.  The government and it leaders failed the people.  You don't have the vaccine so you are having more deaths.  Someone should be charged with murder.  Get the vaccine here now and give jabs to everyone not only the Thai people but the foreigners who live here.  Nothing is said about them.  But they can die also,  But you do not seem to care.  This is first degree murder.

you`re "peeing into the wind" unfortunately....the Government refused to join the WHO vaccine as they thought they could do better themselves (brown envelopes aplenty) and look where it`s left them.....but rest assured his almighty the PM will have all the answers....????

[ikke1959]

Get rid of Anutin and make this man the minister of health.. At least someone who dare to speak out against this totally incompetent and stupid Government. Time to resign and get new elections

[Cake Monster]

9 minutes ago, Thaiwrath said:

Thailand has utterly failed in vaccine rollout,

 

The rank and file Thais have been thrown under a Bus by this Incompetent Government.

[smedly]

 

24 minutes ago, Jonathan Fairfield said:

Dr Suphat Hasuwankit chief of the Rural Doctor Society said that Thailand's vaccination program was one of the slowest in the world.

 

Thailand was at the back of the queue for vaccine, said the doctor pulling no punches in a scathing attack.

well said that man 

 

I have a theory as to why they are now in this position

 

Certain people who are in charge of this have been looking at ways they can personally make money and have held back looking for opportunities.

 

Now due to their dithering around they have caused as yet unseen damage to Thailand both economically and mortally.

 

I know exactly where the blame is for this debacle 

[ezzra]

They were all high on to falls sense of security and 'she'll be right mate' at the beginning, seeing that Thailand was faring well among other infected nations, which led them to drop their guards resting on their laurels, but as we now know, the sheet hit the fan with full force and it's spraying all over...

[PatOngo]

20 minutes ago, Mango Bob said:

Someone should be charged with murder. 

The Chinese Communist Party! 3 million deaths!

[mfd101]

One day the people will rise up. But many of us may not be here to see that glorious day.

[holy cow cm]

38 minutes ago, Jonathan Fairfield said:

is just "bragging" about having the Siam Bioscience company and "being able to be self-sufficient" in vaccination capability.

 

I think there is more to waiting for this company to produce the vaccine than just bragging. Just wait for the headlines once it starts. 

[Fromas]

This doctor speaks truth.

[Mavideol]

I  guess they didn't learn anything from it, they keep repeating the same non sense and adding to the Chinese quality fiasco they now switched to the Vlad/Russian fiasco... how long it would take them to learn anything it's anybody's guess

[The Hammer2021]

1 hour ago, Mango Bob said:

For once someone is telling the truth here.  The government and it leaders failed the people.  You don't have the vaccine so you are having more deaths.  Someone should be charged with murder.  Get the vaccine here now and give jabs to everyone not only the Thai people but the foreigners who live here.  Nothing is said about them.  But they can die also,  But you do not seem to care.  This is first degree murder.

They can die yes...but they can spread and infect others

Edited April 24, 2021 by The Hammer2021

[Bluespunk]

1 hour ago, Jonathan Fairfield said:

He said that the government are hiding behind the truth.

If you remove “behind” from that sentence it will be more accurate. 

[RichardColeman]

He might want to point out that places like the UK are 'potentially' intending to roll out covid booster jabs in the Autumn, months , if not years before the people of Thailand get anything in their arms

[brucegoniners]

So true. They have bought the worst vaccines and hardly anyone has received the ones they have. And private hospitals want to purchase the good vaccines, like Pfizer and Moderna and have not gotten permission. Now I have to literally risk my life to travel to the states next month to get vaccinated.

 

Oh and the US Embassy told me "your health care is completely up to you". Gee, thanks guys. Glad I pay those taxes every year!

[TheFishman1]

This doctor is the first official I heard telling the truth it’s a big disgrace and as far as foreigners living here full-time they should be able to get the  Vaccine free TIT

[Scouse123]

I am in touch with quite a few people in Cambodia regularly.

 

Even young people in Phnom Penn are telling me they have had their vaccine! In PP, They tell me they are in complete lockdown and the police attack people with sticks who are outside without permission. They have brought in very stiff fines and penalties for lawbreaking and inter provincial travel has been stopped for a while now.

 

It is the Sinovac vaccine, I think the guys in Cambodia  called it Sinopharm, but they are getting the jabs!

 

So, they seem to be moving in the opposite direction of the all seeing eyes of Prayut and Co.

 

The man is an arrogant fool, who is way past his sell by date and now jeopardizing the nation's health due to his own narcissism.  

[kotsak]

I hope this is not the last time we hear from him.. ????

[natway09]

He hit that nail right on the head, Unfortunately speaking the truth about the present Gvt's inability to "move it along" may cost him his freedom or life.

Siam Biotech is a disgrace, fuelled on greed only not with the peoples good health at heart

[greenmonkey]

Someone buy  that man a beer! Well done for standing tall and calling out this shameful bunch of imposters parading as govt members!!!!

[ukrules]

In the end I guess it doesn't matter. Most people will be vaccinated by next year some time and this will all be over.

 

The government have clearly done the sums and although they haven't come out and said it they appear to be accepting of the consequences of doing very little to contain the virus at a national level.

 

I can only surmise that all is going to plan and any losses are deemed acceptable, collateral damage if you will.

 

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, YetAnother said:

'fiasco' is starting to define this government

Maybe the good doctor should start a nationwide online petition to oust the PM.

A vote of no confidence from the people would be staggeringly high right now.

[realfunster]

3 hours ago, Mango Bob said:

For once someone is telling the truth here.  The government and it leaders failed the people.  You don't have the vaccine so you are having more deaths.  Someone should be charged with murder.  Get the vaccine here now and give jabs to everyone not only the Thai people but the foreigners who live here.  Nothing is said about them.  But they can die also,  But you do not seem to care.  This is first degree murder.

 

Not a fan of the government and some aspects of their handling of this pandemic- but what a load of twaddle.

 

 ‘First degree murder’- good grief, get a grip of yourself man !

 

Here’s a wake up call for everyone - the wealthier countries and those with means of production are (shockingly, I know..) making much better progress on their vaccine program.

 

We need to look at this with a balanced perspective. By any and all reasonable assessments, we have had it easy for 15 months or so in Thailand since the start of COVID. Many of us will have been calling friends and relatives overseas and hearing constant tales of lockdowns, illness, hospitalization & death. For the most part I have been impressed with the stoicism shown by friends and family in very difficult circumstances. 

 

We are now entering a difficult time in Thailand. Vaccine procurement has been mismanaged and this is some way off. Movement restrictions are in place, some might be arguing for more, they might be coming soon. Right now, all we can do is follow our common sense and keep as safe as possible.

 

Now is not the time to be losing the plot ladies & gentlemen. 

 

Keep calm & carry on. 

 

 

[Kiujunn]

3 hours ago, Crossy said:

Dr Suphat Hasuwankit - Specialist subject "The bleeding obvious".

 

Stuff all we can do about it except stick with the safe practices and hope ???? 

 

You can fly to a safe country,  preferably one that does vaccinate,

if you have the right passport and money. 

Staying here will be an exciting experience