How are you feeling? Help from embassy?

[DerbyDan]

On 5/22/2021 at 7:04 AM, Emdog said:

Sorry if I seem a bit abrupt. I've called US embassy ("IS this an emergency?".... I dunno, global pandemic... what the hell do you think it is!). I've looked at state dept info "No plans to vaccinate private US citizens.... depend on local resources" and done a bunch of other things, contacts, etc

Bottom line is US embassy doesn't give a flying fig for us or what happens to us, full stop. The embassy staff have all been given shots, and I am sure that would include local Thai staff. We are lower than fleas on soi dogs in eyes of US and Thai governments

If your not prevented from leaving the country or returning to the USA it's not an emergency. You are basically asking the government to pay the cost of flying a vaccine out to you because you can't afford the flight or don't want to make the trip. Not gonna happen.

 

I think this is a James Bond issue. People think they can duck into an Embassy and be saved from risks abroad, police chasing them and other crazy stuff. Something that happens in the movies.

Edited May 24, 2021 by DerbyDan

[Scott]

A troll post with an oversized emoticon has been removed.  

 

[sirineou]

On 5/20/2021 at 9:55 PM, richard_smith237 said:

I still consider it an almost impossible logistical nightmare for the US Embassy to vaccinate 50,000 of is citizens in Thailand, twice, with any degree of efficiency.

It is not only Thailand. If you start vaccinating Americans in Thailand, ,it will not be unreasonable for Americans in Cambodia or Nigeria , etc, to say. "Hey what are we?" If the American government started vaccinating Americans  in one foreign country, It will need to start a world wide vaccination program.

Can you Imagine the logistics of that? And what about complications from vaccinations, does then the American government provide medical assistance to those having a reaction to the vaccine?

[Emdog]

11 hours ago, DerbyDan said:

If your not prevented from leaving the country or returning to the USA it's not an emergency. You are basically asking the government to pay the cost of flying a vaccine out to you because you can't afford the flight or don't want to make the trip. Not gonna happen.

 

I think this is a James Bond issue. People think they can duck into an Embassy and be saved from risks abroad, police chasing them and other crazy stuff. Something that happens in the movies.

I paid for vaccine with my taxes, full stop. Going to the US seems like running across no man's land from foxhole to bunker. The costs of going there, tests, quarantine here etc are exponentially higher compared to cost of shipping a vial of vaccine here. If I catch covid, and have to be hospitalized it could bankrupt me even with medicare covering 80%. The US is wondering just which nations should get the extra vaccine I helped pay for. Use the smart Chinese model: here is free vaccine, just give to our expats first, the rest is yours to do with as you choose. Why are you so opposed to US government doing something that would help citizens abroad? Some puritan streak?

[WaveHunter]

59 minutes ago, Emdog said:

I paid for vaccine with my taxes, full stop. Going to the US seems like running across no man's land from foxhole to bunker. The costs of going there, tests, quarantine here etc are exponentially higher compared to cost of shipping a vial of vaccine here. If I catch covid, and have to be hospitalized it could bankrupt me even with medicare covering 80%. The US is wondering just which nations should get the extra vaccine I helped pay for. Use the smart Chinese model: here is free vaccine, just give to our expats first, the rest is yours to do with as you choose. Why are you so opposed to US government doing something that would help citizens abroad? Some puritan streak?

It does seem rather insulting that tax paying US expats all around the world are being ignored in the rollout by their very own government and instead being told to turn to foreign governments for help. 

 

There is a ready supply in the US to meet our needs, and the international logistics for getting those vaccines imported through diplomatic channels would easily be achievable.

 

IMO, it's just another example of the present US Administration's total disregard for "We, the People".  Honestly, It's unacceptable and downright disgusting!

Edited May 25, 2021 by WaveHunter

[DerbyDan]

2 hours ago, Emdog said:

I paid for vaccine with my taxes, full stop. Going to the US seems like running across no man's land from foxhole to bunker. The costs of going there, tests, quarantine here etc are exponentially higher compared to cost of shipping a vial of vaccine here. If I catch covid, and have to be hospitalized it could bankrupt me even with medicare covering 80%. The US is wondering just which nations should get the extra vaccine I helped pay for. Use the smart Chinese model: here is free vaccine, just give to our expats first, the rest is yours to do with as you choose. Why are you so opposed to US government doing something that would help citizens abroad? Some puritan streak?

Renounce citizenship and you don't pay any taxes. Until then you need to be on soil for medical care benefits. If you can't do that you can't afford to be abroad.

[WaveHunter]

22 minutes ago, DerbyDan said:

Renounce citizenship and you don't pay any taxes. Until then you need to be on soil for medical care benefits. If you can't do that you can't afford to be abroad.

This is not about money.  Citizens are entitled to protection by their own government wherever they happen to be located in the world.  If an American citizen is attacked anywhere in the world, the US government has an obligation to respond on their behalf.  Being attacked by a pandemic is no different than being attacked by a terrorist.  The Government should respond, not tell you to look to a foreign country for help.

Edited May 25, 2021 by WaveHunter

[brewsterbudgen]

Unbelievable that so many expats seem incapable of making their own arrangements to be vaccinated and seem to still be tied to their mother country's apron strings and expect "mummy" to help them!

 

I registered with a private Bangkok hospital a few weeks ago and now have a confirmed appointment for July.  Not ideal, but not worth getting upset about.

[vinny41]

Someone posted asking for politicans to think out of the box, its time TVF members think about the full picture of a vaccine rollout not just the vaccine

If the embassies were to provide vaccines, they would also be required to provide full infrastructure, doctors, nurses, field hospitals to implement a vaccine rollout including providing support facilities if someone develops compilations symptoms from receiving the vaccine.

They wouldn't be allowed to overload the Thai medical infrastructure with the own vaccine rollout program

And the embassies know that as a similar scenario wouldn't be permitted in their own countries by a foreign government

[pixelaoffy]

On 5/20/2021 at 7:16 PM, richard_smith237 said:

 

Thats because most people seem to think that because they are on foreign soil that the Embassy of country they moved away from should be some form of safety net, thats no the role of a foreign mission. So many people completely misunderstand the role of their Embassy which is to protect the interest of the Nation it represents 

 

If receiving a vaccine was so important to me, I’d be home already and would have taken the vaccine. 

 

Why should the UK government vaccinate me in Thailand ahead of all the Thai’s. Should the UK government also distribute vaccines around Thailand for all the British expats around the country? the ones who are now moaning, but would also moan because they’d have to travel to BKK or another location out of their way ?

Should the families of US British nationals living in Thailand also receive the vaccine from the British Embassy ? if not, why not ?

 

Should the British Government bring in 110,000 doses for the 55,000 British Expats in Thailand, then distribute them to British Expats around Thailand, Wifes ? or other people in the same household ?... perhaps 200,000 doses required ?>>

 

 

Or should it work on assisting the Thai government and also lobbying the Thai government to ensure the British Nationals are part of Thailands vaccination efforts?

 

 

I do expect things of my Embassy, but only those things considered responsibility of a mission on foreign soil. 

 

I think it completely ridiculous to expect the British Embassy to import vaccines. But, I do fully expect the Mission officers and British Ambassador to strongly lobby the Thai government to ensure that all British Nationals (and all other foreigners) are treated equally and fairly when it comes to receiving Covid-19 vaccines and all ‘other issues’.

 

 

 

 

 

Pile of ******

Edited May 25, 2021 by pixelaoffy

[WaveHunter]

14 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Unbelievable that so many expats seem incapable of making their own arrangements to be vaccinated and seem to still be tied to their mother country's apron strings and expect "mummy" to help them!

 

I registered with a private Bangkok hospital a few weeks ago and now have a confirmed appointment for July.  Not ideal, but not worth getting upset about.

A confirmed appointment in July for vaccination from a private hospital?  Perhaps you could share the details of how you were able to do what no other expat that I'm aware of has been able to do.

Edited May 25, 2021 by WaveHunter

[WaveHunter]

16 hours ago, DerbyDan said:

If your not prevented from leaving the country or returning to the USA it's not an emergency. You are basically asking the government to pay the cost of flying a vaccine out to you because you can't afford the flight or don't want to make the trip. Not gonna happen.

 

I think this is a James Bond issue. People think they can duck into an Embassy and be saved from risks abroad, police chasing them and other crazy stuff. Something that happens in the movies.

It's true that protecting citizens is not the primary mission of a US Embassy, but it is, or at least should be the mission of the US Government to protect its' citizens when abroad.  If a US citizen is becomes victim to a terrorist attack anywhere in the world, the US government is obligated to take swift and decisive action on that person's behalf, no matter what the cost.

 

I see no difference between being victim of a pandemic and victim of a terrorist while on foreign soil.  The US Government should do everything possible to aid them rather than telling them to seek the help of a foreign government, yet that is exactly what they are telling tax paying US Citizens to do here in Thailand and elsewhere around the world with respect to vaccinations.  That's just wrong!

[placeholder]

7 minutes ago, WaveHunter said:

It's true that protecting citizens is not the primary mission of a US Embassy, but it is, or at least should be the mission of the US Government to protect its' citizens when abroad.  If a US citizen is becomes victim to a terrorist attack anywhere in the world, the US government is obligated to take swift and decisive action on that person's behalf, no matter what the cost.

 

I see no difference between being victim of a pandemic and victim of a terrorist while on foreign soil.  The US Government should do everything possible to aid them rather than telling them to seek the help of a foreign government, yet that is exactly what they are telling tax paying US Citizens to do here in Thailand and elsewhere around the world with respect to vaccinations.  That's just wrong!

You seen no difference? Really? So people who have been attacked by terrorists knew they were going to be attacked in advance but chose not to avoid the attack? If that's the case, then you have a point, If not, then not so much.

[WaveHunter]

15 minutes ago, placeholder said:

You seen no difference? Really? So people who have been attacked by terrorists knew they were going to be attacked in advance but chose not to avoid the attack? If that's the case, then you have a point, If not, then not so much.

What does that even mean?  Your argument completely eludes me.

Edited May 25, 2021 by WaveHunter

[VBF]

On 5/20/2021 at 1:16 PM, richard_smith237 said:

 

Thats because most people seem to think that because they are on foreign soil that the Embassy of country they moved away from should be some form of safety net, thats no the role of a foreign mission. So many people completely misunderstand the role of their Embassy which is to protect the interest of the Nation it represents 

 

If receiving a vaccine was so important to me, I’d be home already and would have taken the vaccine. 

 

Why should the UK government vaccinate me in Thailand ahead of all the Thai’s. Should the UK government also distribute vaccines around Thailand for all the British expats around the country? the ones who are now moaning, but would also moan because they’d have to travel to BKK or another location out of their way ?

Should the families of US British nationals living in Thailand also receive the vaccine from the British Embassy ? if not, why not ?

 

Should the British Government bring in 110,000 doses for the 55,000 British Expats in Thailand, then distribute them to British Expats around Thailand, Wifes ? or other people in the same household ?... perhaps 200,000 doses required ?>>

 

 

Or should it work on assisting the Thai government and also lobbying the Thai government to ensure the British Nationals are part of Thailands vaccination efforts?

 

 

I do expect things of my Embassy, but only those things considered responsibility of a mission on foreign soil. 

 

I think it completely ridiculous to expect the British Embassy to import vaccines. But, I do fully expect the Mission officers and British Ambassador to strongly lobby the Thai government to ensure that all British Nationals (and all other foreigners) are treated equally and fairly when it comes to receiving Covid-19 vaccines and all ‘other issues’.

 

 

Very well said!

A good friend of mine is a retired Principal Private Secretary and his description of the role of British Embassies is exactly as you describe.

I also used to belong to the group who bemoaned them as useless and yes some of the employees aren't as efficient as they might be, but now I understand their role, I'm less critical.

[placeholder]

51 minutes ago, WaveHunter said:

What does that even mean?  Your argument completely eludes me.

You claimed that there is no difference between being attacked by terrorists and the risks of being infected by Covid-19. As I pointed out, clearly there is a difference. There isn't much you can do if you are unfortunate enough to be attacked by terrorists. But there is definitely something you can do right now if you want to be inoculated with an mRNA vaccine.

[DerbyDan]

3 hours ago, WaveHunter said:

It's true that protecting citizens is not the primary mission of a US Embassy, but it is, or at least should be the mission of the US Government to protect its' citizens when abroad.  If a US citizen is becomes victim to a terrorist attack anywhere in the world, the US government is obligated to take swift and decisive action on that person's behalf, no matter what the cost.

 

I see no difference between being victim of a pandemic and victim of a terrorist while on foreign soil.  The US Government should do everything possible to aid them rather than telling them to seek the help of a foreign government, yet that is exactly what they are telling tax paying US Citizens to do here in Thailand and elsewhere around the world with respect to vaccinations.  That's just wrong!

I don't think they evac or send supplies in even with a terrorist attack. You would need to be held hostage and unable to get yourself back to USA soil.

 

If your held or jailed unjustly the embassy steps in and sends a rep in. Even that tends to be symbolic and informational, for example they will help you get a lawyer, notify family, etc.

 

A case could be made if Thailand prevented you from flying out and did not give access to vaccines.

 

I don't have a problem with aid being given, it's just not realistic.

Edited May 25, 2021 by DerbyDan

[jayboy]

11 hours ago, VBF said:

Or should it work on assisting the Thai government and also lobbying the Thai government to ensure the British Nationals are part of Thailands vaccination efforts?

 

 

Agreed that it's completely inappropriate for the British Embassy to vaccinate their citizens in Thailand. Its limited role is exactly what you suggest but unfortunately little is happening (or is very well hidden). We have had assurances from the departing Ambassador  following his meeting with the PM but no visible follow up.Meanwhile there are hundred of many distressed British citizens who might reasonably seek guidance from the Embassy - but aren't getting it.Fine words butter no parsnips.

[brewsterbudgen]

13 hours ago, WaveHunter said:

A confirmed appointment in July for vaccination from a private hospital?  Perhaps you could share the details of how you were able to do what no other expat that I'm aware of has been able to do.

Sure.  I registered for a vaccination with Bumrungrad a few weeks ago and received my appointment card last week.

 

Dear Mr. ***,
 
Greetings from Bumrungrad International Hospital.

Bumrungrad International hospital would like to confirm your COVID-19 vaccination appointment. Please see Appointment Card as attached.

Please be informed that your appointment has been booked on 30 July 2021 during 11.00-12.00 Hrs. at the Meeting room, 21st floor, A building, Bumrungrad International hospital.

Please arrive in the hospital at least 30 minutes before your appointment time.

We look forward to welcoming you to Bumrungrad International Hospital soon.
 

 

Best Regards,

Aiza Apostol 

 

Patient Correspondence Phone : +66 2011 5146 Fax : +66 2011 5159 Email: [email protected] www.bumrungrad.com

[jayboy]

13 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Sure.  I registered for a vaccination with Bumrungrad a few weeks ago and received my appointment card last week.

 

Dear Mr. ***,
 
Greetings from Bumrungrad International Hospital.

Bumrungrad International hospital would like to confirm your COVID-19 vaccination appointment. Please see Appointment Card as attached.

Please be informed that your appointment has been booked on 30 July 2021 during 11.00-12.00 Hrs. at the Meeting room, 21st floor, A building, Bumrungrad International hospital.

Please arrive in the hospital at least 30 minutes before your appointment time.

We look forward to welcoming you to Bumrungrad International Hospital soon.
 

 

Best Regards,

Aiza Apostol 

 

Patient Correspondence Phone : +66 2011 5146 Fax : +66 2011 5159 Email: [email protected] www.bumrungrad.com

 

Congratulations.As a matter of interest did you have to supply any form of Thai ID when making the appointment?

[brewsterbudgen]

6 minutes ago, jayboy said:

 

Congratulations.As a matter of interest did you have to supply any form of Thai ID when making the appointment?

No.  Just my hospital number, passport info, and Thai tax number.

[WaveHunter]

32 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Sure.  I registered for a vaccination with Bumrungrad a few weeks ago and received my appointment card last week.

 

Dear Mr. ***,
 
Greetings from Bumrungrad International Hospital.

Bumrungrad International hospital would like to confirm your COVID-19 vaccination appointment. Please see Appointment Card as attached.

Please be informed that your appointment has been booked on 30 July 2021 during 11.00-12.00 Hrs. at the Meeting room, 21st floor, A building, Bumrungrad International hospital.

Please arrive in the hospital at least 30 minutes before your appointment time.

We look forward to welcoming you to Bumrungrad International Hospital soon.
 

 

Best Regards,

Aiza Apostol 

 

Patient Correspondence Phone : +66 2011 5146 Fax : +66 2011 5159 Email: [email protected] www.bumrungrad.com

So, I assume you already had medical records on file with that hospital?  That is pretty cool! I have not seen any other poster reporting that they were successful at actually booking an appointment with a private hospital.  It really surprises me becuase I was under the impression that private hospitals are only now preparing to submit an order to the GPO, and so far only for Moderna.

 

Do you know for a fact which brand you will be getting?

 

It may be a long shot for me to ask, but do you know of a private hospital in Pattaya that is offering appointments? 

 

[WaveHunter]

10 hours ago, DerbyDan said:

I don't think they evac or send supplies in even with a terrorist attack. You would need to be held hostage and unable to get yourself back to USA soil.

 

If your held or jailed unjustly the embassy steps in and sends a rep in. Even that tends to be symbolic and informational, for example they will help you get a lawyer, notify family, etc.

 

A case could be made if Thailand prevented you from flying out and did not give access to vaccines.

 

I don't have a problem with aid being given, it's just not realistic.

There's truth to what you say.  I just think that, given the ample supply of vaccines available in the US right now, meeting the needs of expats should be a priority over simply supplying vaccines to other countries en masse.

[brewsterbudgen]

2 minutes ago, WaveHunter said:

So, I assume you already had medical records on file with that hospital?  That is pretty cool! I have not seen any other poster reporting that they were successful at actually booking an appointment with a private hospital.  It really surprises me becuase I was under the impression that private hospitals are only now preparing to submit an order to the GPO, and so far only for Moderna.

 

Do you know for a fact which brand you will be getting?

 

It may be a long shot for me to ask, but do you know of a private hospital in Pattaya that is offering appointments? 

 

Yes, I've been using Bumrungrad for over 14 years.  As for the brand, they haven't specified, although someone else (I think on this Forum) has an appointment for early July and says it will be the AZ vaccine.

 

I started this thread after I got the appointment:

 

 

[WaveHunter]

12 hours ago, placeholder said:

You claimed that there is no difference between being attacked by terrorists and the risks of being infected by Covid-19. As I pointed out, clearly there is a difference. There isn't much you can do if you are unfortunate enough to be attacked by terrorists. But there is definitely something you can do right now if you want to be inoculated with an mRNA vaccine.

Well, the thing is that if you are living here in Thailand right now, at the present time there is no vaccine available that is approved by the US or the all countries of the EU.  So, if you received SInoVac, you would still be barred from entering these countries.

 

If private hospitals procure Moderna (which they are in the process of doing) then there is no problem however I still think it is wrong that one's own government is not meeting the needs of its' expats when there is am ample supply for doing so, and instead they are talking about making the excess vaccines available to other countries en masse.

 

It just does not seem right that a citizen should be expected to turn to a foreign country for help in this situation.  For many expats here in Thailand, a trip back to the US to be vaccinated may unreasonable for economic reasons or for health reasons.

 

Of course, it is what it is.  I don't really expect the US Government to do anything.  I'm just saying I think it is wrong that they don't.

[WaveHunter]

1 hour ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Yes, I've been using Bumrungrad for over 14 years.  As for the brand, they haven't specified, although someone else (I think on this Forum) has an appointment for early July and says it will be the AZ vaccine.

 

I started this thread after I got the appointment:

 

 

Glad to hear you were successful!  I'm hoping the same opportunity happens for me here in Pattaya.  I really have a dim view of the public rollout, and especially with SinoVac (just my personal opinion of course).

 

The Thai Association of Private Hospitals announced that they are moving forward to secure Moderna vaccines (placing order through Thailand's GPO).  By the time of your reservation, you might have that option.  Personally I'd go with Moderna over AZ, if for no other reason, the fact that Moderna is on the approved list for all countries in the EU and also in the US, assuming that travel to those places might be on your horizon.

 

Anyway, congrats for your success ????

 

Edited May 26, 2021 by WaveHunter

[jayboy]

3 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

No.  Just my hospital number, passport info, and Thai tax number.

 

Thanks.I'm guessing quite a few who registered may have a hospital number but possibly not have a Thai tax number.I doubt whether the lack of a tax number presents much of an obstacle to being accepted in the longer term but might be involved in the hospital's prioritization criteria.

.

[Emdog]

19 hours ago, DerbyDan said:

Renounce citizenship and you don't pay any taxes. Until then you need to be on soil for medical care benefits. If you can't do that you can't afford to be abroad.

"Renounce citizenship and you don't pay any taxes."

You really are devoid on knowledge here, aren't you?

"If you can't do that you can't afford to be abroad."

Another inane statement. Do you live in Thailand? Have you lived in USA? Have you spent money for living expenses in either country?  I am trying not to use the word "stupid", but it is not easy. From now on I'll take Sufi approach:
"The best answer to a fool is silence"

[Emdog]

20 hours ago, WaveHunter said:

It does seem rather insulting that tax paying US expats all around the world are being ignored in the rollout by their very own government and instead being told to turn to foreign governments for help. 

 

There is a ready supply in the US to meet our needs, and the international logistics for getting those vaccines imported through diplomatic channels would easily be achievable.

 

IMO, it's just another example of the present US Administration's total disregard for "We, the People".  Honestly, It's unacceptable and downright disgusting!

Agree with most, but it is not only present administration, but the previous one that promised "vaccines for all Americans". Just talked today with friend in Oregon & she dismayed by large amount of vaccines being tossed out due to expiration date & I doubt Oregon is alone in this.

[VBF]

6 hours ago, jayboy said:

 

Agreed that it's completely inappropriate for the British Embassy to vaccinate their citizens in Thailand. Its limited role is exactly what you suggest but unfortunately little is happening (or is very well hidden). We have had assurances from the departing Ambassador  following his meeting with the PM but no visible follow up.Meanwhile there are hundred of many distressed British citizens who might reasonably seek guidance from the Embassy - but aren't getting it.Fine words butter no parsnips.

We seem to basically agree, however just a point of order......you quoted @richard_smith237  whom I was quoting.