Expats getting a Covid-19 vaccine in Pattaya for dummies with emphasis on expats outside the Thai system

[WaveHunter]

1 hour ago, Guderian said:

Can anyone provide a link to the quarantine story OTHER THAN the Pattaya Mail one? It's not made the TV/AN news, it's not on the Pattaya News website, I haven't seen it on FB, and the GF hasn't seen it on the Thai news. Surely if it's correct then this would be a huge story wouldn't it, so why is only one media source running it?

 

Oh, and I forgot to add that I called the Pattaya City Hall helpline yesterday and was told that all I need to go to the hospital is proof of the appointment and my passport. Of course, new restrictions may alter things, but at the moment that's the case. 

I think a lot of what we are hearing right now is more rumor than fact. Certainly nothing new with that situation LOL.  I think by the beginning of next week it will be made very clear...probably in Monday's daily CCSA briefing since they seem to like waiting until rumors are flying all over the place before they decide to "clarify things"

[Golden Triangle]

For anyone who might not be aware, Bangkok Pattaya hospital is taking expressions of interest from former patients who are interested in the Moderna vaccine, go to their Facebook page and look for the Moderna info page, there is a link to follow, you will need your hospital number & passport number, myself and the Mrs completed the simple form last night, if you don't know your hospital number you can call them, they should give you the info, they did for my Mrs yesterday.

[WaveHunter]

11 minutes ago, Golden Triangle said:

For anyone who might not be aware, Bangkok Pattaya hospital is taking expressions of interest from former patients who are interested in the Moderna vaccine, go to their Facebook page and look for the Moderna info page, there is a link to follow, you will need your hospital number & passport number, myself and the Mrs completed the simple form last night, if you don't know your hospital number you can call them, they should give you the info, they did for my Mrs yesterday.

Yeah, I filled out that "survey" last week.  I don't like the sound of "survey", and like even less how they handled their last interaction with us expats but it's easy enough to fill out, so why not. 

 

For anyone trying to figure out your hospital ID, it's on invoices you may have, in the upper right.  It looks like this: 

"02-ROXXXXXXXXX"

Edited July 17, 2021 by WaveHunter

[Golden Triangle]

8 minutes ago, WaveHunter said:

Yeah, I filled out that "survey" last week.  I don't like the sound of "survey", and like even less how they handled their last interaction with us expats but it's easy enough to fill out, so why not. 

 

For anyone trying to figure out your hospital ID, it's on invoices you may have, in the upper right.  It looks like this: 

"02-ROXXXXXXXXX"

Just to give some background to the story, I was going to register for the last lot then they shut the registration with about 260 names on the list, a few days later I was in for some dental work, on my way out one of the reception girls was hovering behind a sign telling everyone that the list was closed.

 

I asked why it was closed with so few names on it, she didn't know, I asked her if they had to order from the GPO, government pharmaceutical organisation ? Yes she said, so I politely pointed out to her that how would the GPO know how many to order if they only had 260 names on the list, then this ' Survey ' appeared ????

 

I'm not taking credit for that, but maybe someone in BPH saw the light at long last.

[Skallywag]

4 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Well surely there will be reduced bus service at best not to mention the infection risk.

I have a few friends who have been on buses to and from Bangkok and they say very few passengers each time.  Yes, buses each way are running just 5 a day compared to every hour before Covid. There is risk from a private transport where the driver is so close to you for 2 hours as well.  Will personally have to decide before Friday.      

[scubascuba3]

2 minutes ago, Skallywag said:

I have a few friends who have been on buses to and from Bangkok and they say very few passengers each time.  Yes, buses each way are running just 5 a day compared to every hour before Covid. There is risk from a private transport where the driver is so close to you for 2 hours as well.  Will personally have to decide before Friday.      

If you are going from North Pattaya Bus station, it's fine, plenty of distance, I wouldn't go on a minivan

[Skallywag]

The U.S. Embassy stated today they were giving vaccines Sunday July 18, at 4pm at some Concrete or Construction Company in Bangkok (SCG).

The link to form was already closed when I heard about it around 12:00 noon today.  "doses already exceeded" was the reason it said

https://th.usembassy.gov/health-alert-covid-19-vaccine-opportunity-for-u-s-citizens-july-17-2021/

 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScpYlhzNl00p0UIIbPV2tRHj8Kael7XS8rkcsLWMZRs6gqPvw/closedform

[Skallywag]

2 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

If you are going from North Pattaya Bus station, it's fine, plenty of distance, I wouldn't go on a minivan

Yes, have been through several minivan nightmares in the past...like 20 years ago.  Still read about them on forums, so people are still taking them - not me though.

Good point

 

[Harry2]

I noticed a couple of serious looking roadblocks around noon today, both were forcing traffic into a single line, & stopping each car/van - part of provincial travel checks? One was on Pattaya 2 road just after junction with Central Pattaya road and the other on North Pattaya Road inbound by Terminal 21..

[Leaver]

3 hours ago, LongTimeLurker said:

I plead the fifth.

 

Is that the same as taking a knee?  ????  

[VaccineHunter]

5 hours ago, WaveHunter said:

Point 1:    At the time I made that comment, the CCSA had mandated (not merely "suggested") that people NOT travel from one province to another for vaccinations becuase the vaccines were urgently needed for the deep-red zone residents, and at the same time promised that ALL foreigners and those living in other provinces would not be forgotten. 

 

Well, I had no idea that a) Bangkok hospitals were turning a blind eye to this official mandate, and that b) that the CCSA was being very disingenuous to foreigners claiming they "would not be forgotten", when as it turns out, we are actually being prevented from registering for the public rollout. Registration has nothing to do with lack of vaccines.  There should be no roadblocks to anyone being able to register, yet that is exactly what has been happening for over six weeks now.

 

What makes this a big deal is that the US is now donating millions of doses to Thailand, doses that MY tax dollars helped pay for.  Yet I am and many other expats are being prevented from even registering.  If you are not registered, you are effectively invisible to the public rollout.  That is grossly unfair by any standard.

 

So, things have changed dramatically in the last few weeks since I made that original comment.  It is now apparent to me that expats are deliberately being prevented from registration.  I wasn't sure about that until recently, but over six weeks since the official rollout began and the fact that Thai Officials STILL can not come up with a workable registration scheme for expats and those outside of the Bangkok Province sound very suspicious.  If they can register expats for visas and handle 90 day reporting, then they sure as hell should be able to handle expat registration for covid vaccination.

 

I still think the Thai official strategy of focusing on Deep red zones first makes sense, but to deprive US Expats of the ability to even register so they can receive vaccines that their tax dollars helped pay for changes everything in my mind now.

 

Point 2:  I'm not sure what your point is.  If I get my vax at Phyathai, I will cancel (not transfer) my appointment at MedPark.  I assume that MedPark would then have one extra vax that they would give to someone else.

 

So, to sum up, if things had not changed so dramatically and it seemed that Thai officials were acting on good faith to make sure that expats were at least registered into the system for vaccination, I would feel the same as I did back then; that you should not impede the process fo getting the deep red zones under control by travelling to Bangkok for vaccination BUT now that it's obvious we are actively being prevented from registering, the CCSA has broken its' word to expats and all is now fair game.  Really as simple as that.

Thanks for explaining your perspective. I appreciate it. Agree that the whole process cannot be trusted and that there seems to be no genuine attempt to vaccinate at-risk foreigners in Thailand with a sense of urgency. I am surprised in the first place that there is not much more outrage, diplomatic protest and international condemnation on the notion of foreigners being treated differently than Thais when it comes to vaccine access which should be universal and prioritised solely on vulnerability. We should never forget how we are being treated in these times of need. 

[dabhand]

2 hours ago, Harry2 said:

I noticed a couple of serious looking roadblocks around noon today, both were forcing traffic into a single line, & stopping each car/van - part of provincial travel checks? One was on Pattaya 2 road just after junction with Central Pattaya road and the other on North Pattaya Road inbound by Terminal 21..

Likely more to do with the local protests as reported elsewhere.

[Harry2]

37 minutes ago, dabhand said:

Likely more to do with the local protests as reported elsewhere.

Which local protests are those, in Pattaya? 

[shortstop2]

7 hours ago, WaveHunter said:

 

 

I just received some from Lazada today, and the difference between them and the cheap ones you get at 7-11 was shocking!  Not only do they seal to your face way better, but the built-in filter makes it a lot easier to breathe normally.  Next to being fully vaccinated, a seriously good N-95 mask is the best thing you can do to protect yourself.  I can't believe I waited so long to figure that out LOL.

I just ordered but need to receive them by next Saturday.  Will be travelling on Sunday and staying overnight for a Monday appointment.

 

How quickly did you receive your order.?  I may place another order to hedge my bet.  Do you have a link to what you ordered?

Edited July 17, 2021 by shortstop2

[Jingthing]

51 minutes ago, shortstop2 said:

I just ordered but need to receive them by next Saturday.  Will be travelling on Sunday and staying overnight for a Monday appointment.

 

How quickly did you receive your order.?  I may place another order to hedge my bet.  Do you have a link to what you ordered?

I'm also interested in the specific link. I just ordered some  KN95 masks from there but not sure if they're actually good. I've been using surgical masks and if doing a higher risk thing covering that with a cloth mask (which is supposedly comparable to a N95). The reason I've avoided N95s is because I've heard they're complicated to fit.

 

Just got them and haven't even opened the box yet:

 

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/i2376134660-s8053195673.html

Edited July 17, 2021 by Jingthing

[Leaver]

1 hour ago, Harry2 said:

Which local protests are those, in Pattaya? 

The protests calling for the overthrow of the Thai government, but don't worry, it's still perfectly fine to buy property and invest in Thailand.   ????  

[jacko45k]

17 hours ago, WaveHunter said:

It doesn't hurt to get their feedback...if for no other reason than that they are Thai and we are not.

At this point we may simply get their thoughts and opinions...... the fact they are Thai certainly does not mean they know any more, and suggests that won't deter speculation. 

[newnative]

10 hours ago, Harry2 said:

Which local protests are those, in Pattaya? 

They had a car protest parade on Pattaya Beach Road last evening.

[Harry2]

8 hours ago, Leaver said:

The protests calling for the overthrow of the Thai government, but don't worry, it's still perfectly fine to buy property and invest in Thailand.   ????  

Had not seen about the car protest last night.

Edited July 18, 2021 by Harry2
Updated info

[WaveHunter]

12 hours ago, shortstop2 said:

I just ordered but need to receive them by next Saturday.  Will be travelling on Sunday and staying overnight for a Monday appointment.

 

How quickly did you receive your order.?  I may place another order to hedge my bet.  Do you have a link to what you ordered?

3 days for delivery to Pattaya; here is the seller's link (very positive reviews):  Lazada link

 

If your overnight stay is due to taking a bus (I think you said that), using a local driving service would avoid that need...just a thought.  

 

Here's the link to the driving service I've used many times.  They are totally professional and reliable (not really a taxi company even though they have that in their name for some reason):  PATTAYA Toms Taxi

[WaveHunter]

3 hours ago, jacko45k said:

At this point we may simply get their thoughts and opinions...... the fact they are Thai certainly does not mean they know any more, and suggests that won't deter speculation. 

Of course they are a better source of information!  They are hooked into the community and official government sources of information much more than a farang.  Their business is road transportation so they have a much more interest in knowing facts that will effect their business.  And they are fluent in Thai so they can get more vetted information than someone who does not speak the language well.

Edited July 18, 2021 by WaveHunter

[WaveHunter]

11 hours ago, Jingthing said:

I'm also interested in the specific link. I just ordered some  KN95 masks from there but not sure if they're actually good. I've been using surgical masks and if doing a higher risk thing covering that with a cloth mask (which is supposedly comparable to a N95). The reason I've avoided N95s is because I've heard they're complicated to fit.

 

Just got them and haven't even opened the box yet:

 

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/i2376134660-s8053195673.html

I'd be suspect of anything that is not actual 3M brand. "KN95" masks are almost always counterfeit.

 

The ones you showed the link to certainly look suspicious (very low price, calling them "3C", and it doesn't look like they even have the plastic filter).

 

Also from the US CDC:

Do NOT wear

• Counterfeit (fake) KN95 masks
  • BE AWARE: About 60% KN95 masks in the United States are counterfeit (fake) and DO NOT meet NIOSH requirements.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html

 

Here is lazada link to the seller I bought from and these are the real deal:   Lazada link

 

 

Edited July 18, 2021 by WaveHunter

[WaveHunter]

13 hours ago, VaccineHunter said:

Thanks for explaining your perspective. I appreciate it. Agree that the whole process cannot be trusted and that there seems to be no genuine attempt to vaccinate at-risk foreigners in Thailand with a sense of urgency. I am surprised in the first place that there is not much more outrage, diplomatic protest and international condemnation on the notion of foreigners being treated differently than Thais when it comes to vaccine access which should be universal and prioritised solely on vulnerability. We should never forget how we are being treated in these times of need. 

One good thing that just happened (though you may find my logic a bit odd)...Chonburi has just officially been re-classified as a DEEP RED province now, according to the CCSA!

 

Maybe that now means we will start getting the allotment of vaccines right here in Pattaya and a new urgency to get foreigners registered that has formally been denied to them here.

Edited July 18, 2021 by WaveHunter

[Jingthing]

22 minutes ago, WaveHunter said:

3 days for delivery to Pattaya; here is the seller's link (very positive reviews):  Lazada link

 

If your overnight stay is due to taking a bus (I think you said that), using a local driving service would avoid that need...just a thought.  

 

Here's the link to the driving service I've used many times.  They are totally professional and reliable (not really a taxi company even though they have that in their name for some reason):  PATTAYA Toms Taxi

Unfortunately out of stock.

[WaveHunter]

11 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Unfortunately out of stock.

Many other listings on Lazada that look legit:

https://www.lazada.co.th/catalog/?from=input&q=3M 8210V N95 ชนิดมีวาล์ว&rating=4

 

My advice, just buy from vendors that have feedback to increase likelihood of professional service.

Edited July 18, 2021 by WaveHunter

[Jingthing]

25 minutes ago, WaveHunter said:

I'd be suspect of anything that is not actual 3M brand. "KN95" masks are almost always counterfeit.

 

The ones you showed the link to certainly look suspicious (very low price, calling them "3C", and it doesn't look like they even have the plastic filter).

 

Also from the US CDC:

Do NOT wear

• Counterfeit (fake) KN95 masks
  • BE AWARE: About 60% KN95 masks in the United States are counterfeit (fake) and DO NOT meet NIOSH requirements.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html

 

Here is lazada link to the seller I bought from and these are the real deal:   Lazada link

 

 

So you think these Thai made KN95s aren't even as good as medical procedure masks for everyday use?

[WaveHunter]

18 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

So you think these Thai made KN95s aren't even as good as medical procedure masks for everyday use?

I would say that any type of mask with the exception of an N95 mask are nearly worthless. 

 

Up until now I used the "higher quality" masks you buy in 7-11 and thought they were ok...until I got these actual N95 masks. 

 

For one thing, N95 masks seal to your face perfectly with no gaps.  For another thing, the little filter is much better at filtering our viruses than the cloth or paper.

 

Breathing is also much easier through an N95 mask so you're more inclined to keep it on properly.  There is actually no resistance to breathing at all so even if you're exercising you can wear an N95 comfortably.

 

Another thing that separates them from cheaper masks is that N95 masks actually only touch your face around the edges so they remain clean far longer since you're not actually breathing through the mask but only through the filter.

 

IMO (and a lot of scientist feel the same way) the non-N95 cloth or paper mask with no special filter have very low ability to protect against viruses.

Edited July 18, 2021 by WaveHunter

[TimBKK]

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/3m-8210v-n95-10-3m-valved-pm25-8210v-8210-95-i1148194593-s2678184218.html?spm=a2o4m.searchlist.list.6.515b6b57BU5GK7&search=1
 

Standard delivery 52-57 days ????????????

[WaveHunter]

2 minutes ago, TimBKK said:

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/3m-8210v-n95-10-3m-valved-pm25-8210v-8210-95-i1148194593-s2678184218.html?spm=a2o4m.searchlist.list.6.515b6b57BU5GK7&search=1
 

Standard delivery 52-57 days ????????????

Many other listings on Lazada with reasonable delivery time:

https://www.lazada.co.th/catalog/?from=input&q=3M 8210V N95 ชนิดมีวาล์ว&rating=4

[Skallywag]

20 hours ago, WaveHunter said:

Just my opinion, but I'd think real carefully about taking a bus for obvious reasons, but if you do, be sure you have an N-95 mask. 

I believe you said you were taking a driving service (taxi)

Are those drivers tested to be Covid free daily? 

Otherwise I think you will be closer to another person breathing than I will for the 2 + hours. 

Although you could open a window and I cannot on a bus, that might be advantageous/safer