US expats plead for vaccine help in viral Thailand

[webfact]

Thais at The Mall Bang Kapi in Bangkok get vaccinated against Covid-19. Foreigners are at the back of the queue. Photo: AFP / Bangkok Post / Somchai Poomlard

 

US Embassy in Bangkok turns a deaf ear to expat cries for vaccines while China mass vaccinates its nationals in the kingdom

 

By RICHARD S EHRLICH

 

BANGKOK – Some of President Joe Biden’s and his predecessor Donald Trump’s most active boosters in Southeast Asia have joined forces, demanding the US State Department vaccinate all American expats in Thailand as a model for international distribution, instead of discriminating against them.

 

“Biden has publicly announced that all Americans now have access to vaccines, but the government and State seem to have forgotten about us Americans living abroad,” said the chair of Democrats Abroad in Thailand, Paul Risley.

“What are we, chopped liver? 

 

“These are vaccines, offered for free to all in the US, and most of them have been manufactured with taxpayer dollars.”

 

Full story: https://asiatimes.com/2021/05/us-expats-plea-for-vaccine-help-in-viral-thailand/

 

-- © Copyright ASIA TIMES 2021-05-31

 

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[AndyFoxy]

Hard luck. They aren’t the only ones hoping for the vaccine.

[nattaya09]

There's no shortage in the US. I had my choice of Pfizer, Moderna or J&J at the corner pharmacy last week without waiting. It would seem the embassy's should be getting sufficient supply to provide to the citizens abroad.

[sqwakvfr]

Why only in Thailand or SE Asia?  If the US Government vaccinates Americans in Thailand then what about every country in the world that Americans are in?  This list would be long and possibly there are more Americans in other countries than Thailand?  A lot of Americans are in the PI as well.  It is not what "the Government owes us or has a duty to do", most of us came to Thailand voluntarily.  I have never met any American who was forced to come to Thailand or is on asylum status.  We can leave Thailand anytime.  

 

Additionally would countries like India or possibly Brazil be higher on any potential list to vaccinate Americans?  If the pandemic poses an imminent threat to Americans then the State Department would deploy it's ultimate overseas tool:  the NEO program, Noncombatant Evacuation Operations.  If the pandemics gets really bad the US Embassy in Bangkok would offer all Americans a chance to evacuate(of course it would not be free).  In essence Americans who want to be evacuated would pack one carry on bag and meet at a designated meeting point and fly out to the US or the nearest safe country. 

 

This is issue is "DOA".  

[cardinalblue]

Logistically it would be a nightmare to pull off - all countries Americans are in...

 

easier to just book a flight home and get it within a few days...

 

and then get a gym workout and a lap swim in which one can’t do in thailand...

[tonray]

36 minutes ago, nattaya09 said:

It would seem the embassy's should be getting sufficient supply to provide to the citizens abroad.

They are providing them...to citizens of other countries 

[fusion58]

I have zero expectations as I already know very well that the U.S. Embassy wouldn't bother to urinate on me if I were on fire (see income affidavits.)

[bristolgeoff]

If Amercia starts  doing it then all the other countries will have to follow the lead.Right thing to do as the farang will be at the back of the bus for sure in thailand

[skorp13]

LOL. The U.S. is supposed to send personalized vaccines to each citizen in every other country?. Wow, talk about entitlement syndrome.

[tonray]

12 minutes ago, Lickey said:

Dunno why people are in a hurry to take part in an experiment when they don't have symptoms? 

Because once you develop symptoms you might need a ventilator and have permenent lung damage ?

[Dialemco]

Are all these Americans paying taxes in the US and Thailand I doubt it. I feel more sorry for the thousands of unregistered Thai's who were employed in the Tourist Industry but now destitute some with Children who really do not understand why they are hungry 

[Bangkok Basha]

Said the chair of Democrats Abroad in Thailand, Paul Risley.

“What are we, chopped liver? 

 

“These are vaccines, offered for free to all in the US, and most of them have been manufactured with taxpayer dollars.”

 

I wonder if he knows how few of the expats here actually pay U.S. taxes. I do, but most probably don't. 

[10baht]

56 minutes ago, sqwakvfr said:

Additionally would countries like India or possibly Brazil be higher on any potential list to vaccinate Americans?  If the pandemic poses an imminent threat to Americans then the State Department would deploy it's ultimate overseas tool:  the NEO program, Noncombatant Evacuation Operations.  If the pandemics gets really bad the US Embassy in Bangkok would offer all Americans a chance to evacuate(of course it would not be free).  In essence Americans who want to be evacuated would pack one carry on bag and meet at a designated meeting point and fly out to the US or the nearest safe country. 

I didn't realize you were reading IndiaVisa or BrazilVisa and keeping up with the American Expat's efforts in those countries to get the US Gov't off its ass and do what it should do for all Americas.

[kingstonkid]

And American's wonder where the stereotype of the me american I am special comes from.

[atpeace]

19 minutes ago, Lickey said:

Dunno why people are in a hurry to take part in an experiment when they don't have symptoms? 

Maybe some realize it isn't just about their symptoms? If everyone took your who cares it doesn't impact me, Covid would still be raging throughout the world.  We will get through this but not because of the individuals that just cared about themselves.  

 

If you are petrified of getting a shot, don't get it.  Enough people will take the risk ( minimal IMO ) and get the shot.  

[10baht]

50 minutes ago, cardinalblue said:

Logistically it would be a nightmare to pull off - all countries Americans are in...

 

easier to just book a flight home and get it within a few days...

No it would not.

[10baht]

18 minutes ago, Lickey said:

Dunno why people are in a hurry to take part in an experiment when they don't have symptoms?

Experiment? Flat earth? I'll bet you do not believe in teeth cleaning either?

[Rocking Robert]

Just fly over to USA get vaccinated and fly back. Problem solved.  It’s not free the tax payers paid for it

[10baht]

8 minutes ago, Dialemco said:

Are all these Americans paying taxes in the US and Thailand I doubt it. I feel more sorry for the thousands of unregistered Thai's who were employed in the Tourist Industry but now destitute some with Children who really do not understand why they are hungry 

Don't we all but what does that have to do with the price of tea in China? You people don't seem to understand once everyone, everywhere no matter how get vaccinated then the poor and hungry all over the world will be on a better path to riches and buffets.

[atpeace]

5 minutes ago, 10baht said:

No it would not.

I agree, have Americans register and send over the vaccine.  Hell, add 5,000 baht to cover extra costs.  Probably much more complicated but it would be nice.  Life could be worse and think I'm just going to have to extend my stay at this resort for a few more months ( been 3 already ) and wait for a jab.  Love where I'm stuck now on the Thai/Lao border but would like to be free to travel.

[10baht]

12 minutes ago, Bangkok Basha said:

I wonder if he knows how few of the expats here actually pay U.S. taxes. I do, but most probably don't. 

Then you do not know the IRS. And if they are in such a low income bracket that the law says they do not pay now, well that's the law. But I'll bet they paid lots when they working.

[pegman]

36 minutes ago, captnhoy said:

Nothing wrong with asking. One can be sure that on TV someone will hand out sh!t though, Hater

Yes, guilty as charged. I do hate hypocrisy. 

[Cat Boy]

1 hour ago, nattaya09 said:

There's no shortage in the US. I had my choice of Pfizer, Moderna or J&J at the corner pharmacy last week without waiting. It would seem the embassy's should be getting sufficient supply to provide to the citizens abroad.

Only for diplomats and their families. Contrary to what one might presume of the US Embassy supporting US nationals, its increasingly a walled fortress that only looks toward US business interests. I wouldn't even bother asking, sooner as someone else put it, pigs will fly.

[10baht]

13 minutes ago, kingstonkid said:

And American's wonder where the stereotype of the me american I am special comes from.

Americans do not create this so call stereotype, just jealous Wanna-Bees and pretenders.

[the green light]

1 hour ago, nattaya09 said:

There's no shortage in the US. I had my choice of Pfizer, Moderna or J&J at the corner pharmacy last week without waiting. It would seem the embassy's should be getting sufficient supply to provide to the citizens abroad.

One must understand the purpose of an Embassy.

It is not to take care of the ordinary joe on most important matter.  Only you can get help to order a new passport, add pages to your passport  or just register you infant or get a paper notarized... with kick and screaming they are obliged to perform these duties. That is it all.

 

Their  true function is to cater  for the US business community and people in the US government travelling overseas.... So these are the people who will get the vaccines or special treatment.. and not you.

 

Look at it from their point of view: the ordinary joe lives in Thailand and spend his  SS money in  Thailand, enjoying the good life . .  Even if you work at a job in Thailand you are only paying Thai taxes and not US taxes. Mr. Joe,  by living in Thailand, you have zero contribution to the US economy.. why do you except to be equal to Mr. Microsoft  or any body working for the state department

 

Sorry that is the true fact.. 

[tonray]

3 minutes ago, 10baht said:

Then you do not know the IRS. And if they are in such a low income bracket that the law says they do not pay now, well that's the law. But I'll bet they paid lots when they working.

and if they are not paying....when it comes time to renew their passport...big surprise coming

[atpeace]

Just now, 10baht said:

Then you do not know the IRS. And if they are in such a low income bracket that the law says they do not pay now, well that's the law. But I'll bet they paid lots when they working.

I paid a lot when working and even quite a bit when not.  I don't know of an American not filing taxes unless they are under the income threshold. Sure there are many but I just don't have first hand knowledge.   The last few years I've lost so much, that taxes won't be an issue for the next decade.

[PEE TEE]

My friends wife who is from Cambodia was called to attend her first vaccine yesterday (Has work permit) after a 20 k drive to the center was told sorry vaccine finished and sent away .koh Samui. what a BS   

[animatic]

1 hour ago, sqwakvfr said:

Why only in Thailand or SE Asia?  If the US Government vaccinates Americans in Thailand then what about every country in the world that Americans are in?  This list would be long and possibly there are more Americans in other countries than Thailand?  A lot of Americans are in the PI as well.  It is not what "the Government owes us or has a duty to do", most of us came to Thailand voluntarily.  I have never met any American who was forced to come to Thailand or is on asylum status.  We can leave Thailand anytime.  

 

Additionally would countries like India or possibly Brazil be higher on any potential list to vaccinate Americans?  If the pandemic poses an imminent threat to Americans then the State Department would deploy it's ultimate overseas tool:  the NEO program, Noncombatant Evacuation Operations.  If the pandemics gets really bad the US Embassy in Bangkok would offer all Americans a chance to evacuate(of course it would not be free).  In essence Americans who want to be evacuated would pack one carry on bag and meet at a designated meeting point and fly out to the US or the nearest safe country. 

 

This is issue is "DOA".  

Funny.

ultimate tool.
I thought we just got rid of him...

Far, FAR cheaper to vaccinate than evacuate. Not even close between tge two options.

 

[atpeace]

2 minutes ago, the green light said:

One must understand the purpose of an Embassy.

It is not to take care of the ordinary joe on most important matter.  Only you can get help to order a new passport, add pages to your passport  or just register you infant or get a paper notarized... with kick and screaming they are obliged to perform these duties. That is it all.

 

Their  true function is to cater  for the US business community and people in the US government travelling overseas.... So these are the people who will get the vaccines or special treatment.. and not you.

 

Look at it from their point of view: the ordinary joe lives in Thailand and spend his  SS money in  Thailand, enjoying the good life . .  Even if you work at a job in Thailand you are only paying Thai taxes and not US taxes. Mr. Joe,  by living in Thailand, you have zero contribution to the US economy.. why do you except to be equal to Mr. Microsoft  or any body working for the state department

 

Sorry that is the true fact.. 

American pay taxes regardless of the country they live in.  Many ( not all ) do contribute and get little in return compared to non-expats.  Not completely fair but a fact I deal with every year at tax time.