Update on Thailand's vaccination programme and our response

[Johnny Mac]

I got about halfway through and got bored.

 

I don't want or expect any help from the UK gov. I made the choice to leave the UK so as far as I'm concerned I'm on my own.

 

FYI I have a CHUM who lives in Khon kaen and yesterday and today at a big conference centre they had walk in vaccines for any expat over 60, incl of booking the second jab. Don't know what vaccine is it, but probably the kitchen sink one. So there is stuff happening to help expats.

[Chongalulu]

2 hours ago, JustinCredible said:

 

With even more respect.........  The Consular team do not make the rules, but have to abide by them - whether they agree with them or not. 

They are not "making the same excuse" but merely stating UK Government policy. 

 

It is unfair to try to point a finger at the Consular Team!!

Then it’s somewhat disingenuous for the pretense at engagement/help when all that’s really coming back is 'computer says no' . We really all know what the situation is as far as Thai authorities are concerned,just as we know the consular team is ineffectual in influencing it to any tangible degree that might help us. The French have recognized a unique situation of danger to its citizens and responded in a way that uk government equally could if it chose to. Handwringing by the consular team is all it can offer ? If you are suggesting that it’s not right to lay justified criticism of government policy via the consular team ,particularly when France has shown what can be achieved,and with the hope of it trying to influence government policy  ,then what’s the point of them at all? There is nothing in the communication of many paragraphs by the consular official that is of any help whatsoever- unless you count someone just reiterating what you already are painfully aware of as helpful? It’s no more than saying ' Well there’s nothing we can (are prepared) to do. We make provision for healthcare in the full knowledge that we are outside the NHS net by paying/ insurance. There is nothing that provision can help with in this particular respect (vaccination) so we are truly stranded without help from our government through no fault or negligence on our part. Surely something that should come under the remit of Consular assistance for citizens abroad?

[WaveHunter]

3 hours ago, JustinCredible said:

 

With even more respect.........  The Consular team do not make the rules, but have to abide by them - whether they agree with them or not. 

They are not "making the same excuse" but merely stating UK Government policy. 

 

It is unfair to try to point a finger at the Consular Team!!

No expat is pointing their finger at the embassies; they are  pointing their finger at their home governments.  I am an American and I feel the same frustration as British expats.  These excuses that our government "can not" help fall on deaf ears when they are planning to donate millions of doses of vaccines to foreign countries all around the world; vaccines paid for by expats, most of which are tax paying citizens of our home countries

 

Just how UNFAIR will it be for donated vaccines from our home countries to arrive here in Thailand and we will be ineligible to receive vaccinations from the very vaccines that our tax dollars paid for BECAUSE WE ARE NOT EVEN ALLOWED TO BECOME REGISTERED RIGHT NOW !?!?!

 

There is no excuse for home governments to ignore this current situation that expats now face.  The French recognized the issues and have procured vaccines for all of its' expat citizens here in Thailand and they are being vaccinated RIGHT NOW (started July 1)!  The Chinese government recognized the issues long ago and stipulated that the vaccines they were providing to Thailand were done so on the basis that their expat citizens would be vaccinated with those donated vaccines without delay.

 

The precedent has been set.  That precedent should have been set by countries like UK and the US, but since they failed to take the lead and do the right thing from the start, the very least, they should do is step up NOW and do the right thing without these absurd excuses that they "can not" help.  They can, and they must act on behalf of their expats citizens NOW!

 

I for one will be really <deleted> if they donate millions of doses of vaccines to Thailand and don;t even lift a finger to make sure that we are taken care of, becuase right now, we expats are being totally ignored by the Thai system, and that will continue until pressure is brought to bear to correct this situation.

 

I mean if Thailand wants donated vaccines that my tax dollars have paid for, I don;t think it's unreasonable for my government to at least demand that Thailand allows us to register and be put in queue so that we are fairly represented in the public rollout of vaccines that we expats LITERALLY paid for with our tax dollars!!!

 

Edited July 2, 2021 by WaveHunter

[WaveHunter]

3 hours ago, chrisdom said:

This is the best advice but success is unlikely.

 

Remember

1) that the UK govt would only change policy for all ex-pats anywhere in the world - not just for Thailand. This would be far more than 100,000 doses.

2) that many tried to change the policy on pensions and failed.

 

No taxation without representation. Its a one way street.

 

But these home governments like the UK and US will have no problem at all donating millions of doses to foreign countries, doses that many expat's taxes helped pay for.  Oh yes, that sounds fair and just.

[WaveHunter]

1 hour ago, Oxx said:

 

But, as I understand it, you haven't only offered vaccines to Embassy staff, but also to their families, and to staff working for British Council language schools.  Hypocritical muchly?

Not to mention that MILLIONS of doses of donated vaccines will be provided to foreign countries all around the world by countries like the UK and the US.

[billd766]

2 hours ago, Bangkok Barry said:

 

I'm sorry, but this post and others demanding the UK send vaccines here smacks of 'I'm in the centre of the universe'. I'm sure there are countries with far more British expats than Thailand - India comes immediately to mind - that are also unable to vaccinate us, and where the virus has had truly devastating effects - unlike in Thailand where numbers, although rising, are still small.

 

Should the UK government help its own citizens first before sending vaccines to Third World - usually worn-torn - countries. Yes, of course. But 100,000 for the world, not just Thailand, won't cut it.

There are over 65x,xxx Brits with frozen pensions worldwide, plus xxx,xxx more who do get their pensions uprated every year.

 

Many of them live in countries where they get free access to the vaccines as they would in the UK.

 

It doesn't take an act of deity to send enough vaccines to Thailand and to be able to help Brits survive.

 

If the UK government needs advice on how it is done, I am sure that the Chinese and the French governments will tell them how it is done.

[newnative]

    The US and the British--both doing nothing but useless talking.  In both cases they are using the flimsy excuse, "We don't provide health care to citizens abroad."   Nobody is asking for health care.   What we are asking for is the same treatment in obtaining a vaccine in a global pandemic that is being provided back in our home countries.    Quite an entirely different thing.  

[kennw]

With respect, surely your role is to represent the people who elect HMG no matter where they are. And, if it appears that there is discrimination of your citizens legally residing here in their access to vaccines during a pandemic, should you not take appropriate steps. Currently the Thai program prioritizes aged Thais with medical conditions, this is not available to a similarly afflicted non Thai, discrimination based on race to put it bluntly. As a diplomat surely this is something that should be raised with the Thai govt and their response should be made publicly available to so that British citizens can take this into consideration when they consider booking holidays or retirement options 

[unblocktheplanet]

The Brits are partners on the ground in every war the Yanks come up with. Now there's an equivalent crisis in a country with a morally bankrupt govt. Shoot 'em but don't jab 'em?

[fishtank]

How about giving some useful information to British citizens.

Clearly no vaccines are available for them.

Try doing your job.

[Alotoftravel]

Today July 2nd, i received sms that my appointment today  is cancelled until further notice . We just want to be vaccinated. A few of my friends also received similar sms and their appointment is later in July . It looks like we have an issue of setting appointments to find out the whole month schedule is scrapped in chiang Mai . What are we to do ? Help 

[thonglorjimmy]

An English guy reported on social media that he received this response from his local hospital when he enquired about his scheduled appointment:

 

"I went to XX hospital this week to ask about those foreigners that registered at the registration desk at a local mall, I was told categorically that they would be doing ALL THE THAIS FIRST and if they had leftover vaccine it would go to foreigners."

 

Now this may not be the Thai Government policy but it certainly seems to be the policy of those impementing the scheme on the ground floor. I find it difficult to believe that local managers are not aware of this "policy" and are quietly condoning it.

[jayboy]

13 hours ago, kennw said:

With respect, surely your role is to represent the people who elect HMG no matter where they are. And, if it appears that there is discrimination of your citizens legally residing here in their access to vaccines during a pandemic, should you not take appropriate steps. Currently the Thai program prioritizes aged Thais with medical conditions, this is not available to a similarly afflicted non Thai, discrimination based on race to put it bluntly. As a diplomat surely this is something that should be raised with the Thai govt and their response should be made publicly available to so that British citizens can take this into consideration when they consider booking holidays or retirement options 

 

I think you make some fair points though I disagree the discriminatory (in practice) Thai vaccination rollout is of any relevance to prospective retirees or tourists.

 

As to the Consul's letter, I appreciate the reasoned response to many members concerns.The British government is not going to provide vaccinations to expatriates here and it seems pointless to keep on demanding this.I hope nobody will mind me noting the letter is somewhat tin eared in places and while sometimes annoyingly patronizing, overall it addresses the issues reasonably well.

 

The time to assess the empathy, efficiency, sense of urgency and imagination of our government on this issue can come later.The reality is that many expats are being vaccinated.What's needed now is a concerted effort to help those in vulnerable categories who have not been able to secure appointments.We can help each other here by for example referring such people to the BCCT initiative. We do not need any more reminders of how the Ambassador has received high level of assurances of equal treatment.We need hard intensive work in concert with other countries to achieve practical solutions to the problem.

Edited July 3, 2021 by jayboy

[Tony M]

I do understand your statements on the FCDO's duty of care to its staff. But I'm wondering what the FCDO's duty of care to its citizens overseas is. I have read your published webpage on crises overseas (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-deal-with-a-crisis-overseas), and I'm wondering when the current pandemic becomes a "crisis" in the eyes of the UK government ?  The fact that your own staff (and others) have been vaccinated would seem to indicate that the FCDO considers you to be in a crisis situation ? Where is the line between duty of care to FCDO staff only and duty of care to British citizens in danger of death ? When is that line crossed ?

 

Have you invited all vulnerable British citizens to register with the Embassy ?  That might be a good idea (proactive at least) in the event that someone in a position of "power" actually decides that UK citizens overseas are actually in danger of death. The perception would seem to be that, even if you/FCDO/whoever are unable to actually do anything, nobody actually cares.  Some cynics, me included, might even suspect that this would be a great solution to having to pay pensions to those aged Brits who dared to leave the UK to live in retirement.

 

Question : How many staff and family members have received vaccination in Thailand, and who was included in this vaccination drive ?  UK-based staff I can understand, but who else ?  Locally-engaged staff ?  Families of locally-engaged staff ?  British Council staff and their families ?  Honorary Consuls and their family members ?  Exactly who has been vaccinated, and how many ?

 

I think you are able to tell, from the comments received, that the peasants are revolting.  We, the plebs, request that the British Embassy, on behalf if its (apparently) discriminated - against citizens, pushes even harder for the Thai government to treat those citizens as equal to Thai citizens, especially those citizens in vulnerable categories. In the alternative (or even at the same time), we request that you push the UK government to acknowledge that this is a global crisis, British citizens are in danger, and to do something positive for the tax-payers overseas. 

[jomtienisgood]

19 hours ago, ehs818 said:

France has announced that French citizens living in Thailand WILL get a vaccination shot via their embassy. Why is it that they can do so and the other Western countries, particularly those that tax their citizens who live overseas, continue to do nothing. Take take take and no help for us!

Not only promised.. Not only the Fr Nationals living in Th. Any person of Fr. Nationality, present in Th., residing or not, is entitled to free vaccination. Started on 30/06/2021 in all Local Bangkok Hospitals.  

[Uroller]

Pathetic letter from the British Consular office,  You might want to read the Consular charter and learn about what your responsibility is with regards to UK citizens overseas , especially those still paying taxes! Let me remind you that this is a world Pandemic not seen in our lifetime before and just as rules were changed in the UK to protect people from Covid, rules should be changed in foreign countries! Churchill didn’t abandon UK citizens rights during WW2 for those stranded overseas, he didn’t abandon POW rights for those brave fighters stuck in Nazi camps and he didn’t abandon German prisoner rights for those held in the UK! For the Consular office to say this is not part of the NHS responsibility you are saying that the NHS does not have the ability to “ react” to something that is not the norm! The French have stepped up and don’t the right thing, the UK needs to step up or you will be inundated with requests to help patriate victims of a Thai government mismanagement of this pandemic, If you cannot react to this pandemic maybe you had better stock up on  body bags that might be required to return taxpaying UK citizens to their homeland???????????? Or in the words of the British Embassy “Not my problem”

[fulhamster]

On 7/2/2021 at 5:40 PM, Johnny Mac said:

FYI I have a CHUM who lives in Khon kaen and yesterday and today at a big conference centre they had walk in vaccines for any expat over 60, incl of booking the second jab. Don't know what vaccine is it, but probably the kitchen sink one. So there is stuff happening to help expats.

In KK but nothing in Pattaya

[Eff1n2ret]

On 7/2/2021 at 9:59 AM, British Consular Team said:

we will provide all the help we can to get vulnerable British people vaccinated under the Thai scheme, and to support them with other needs also.

OK, Sir, setting aside arguments about a direct 'French-style' vaccination programme, I'll take you at your word.

I am 76 years old, have a lifelong susceptibility to asthma and bronchitis and was diagnosed 10 years ago with stenosis in a couple of arteries. Does that fit your definition of 'vulnerable'? If so, could you explain what you will now do to ensure that I am offered a vaccination in the not too distant future? I live in Banchang, Rayong, but I'm willing to travel to Pattaya or even Bangkok.

By the way, I have no other needs, I just want the bl00dy jab(s) - and I'm willing to pay.

[blackcab]

A troll post has been removed.

[scubascuba3]

Certainly the French and Chinese govts look much better than the rest. Embassies have had their vaccinations so they're all right jack

[RubbaJohnny]

VIVE LA FRANCE

[treetops]

On 7/4/2021 at 12:07 PM, Eff1n2ret said:

If so, could you explain what you will now do to ensure that I am offered a vaccination in the not too distant future?

 

Sign-up here from next Monday from 09:00 - 12:00.

 

https://phyathai2international.com/

 

[poohy]

Might sound stupid cannot vaccines that require no special transport just be purchased or made available to purchase online i and be sent here via DHL or equivalent

Its really time to sort it out ourselves because its looking like no one will / can /or is interested

[fulhamster]

12 hours ago, treetops said:

 

Sign-up here from next Monday from 09:00 - 12:00.

 

https://phyathai2international.com/

 

Ok for anyone living in BKK.

 

[jomtienisgood]

1 hour ago, fulhamster said:

Ok for anyone living in BKK.

 

You got plenty time to get there by next October. 5555

[Saltire]

1 hour ago, fulhamster said:

Ok for anyone living in BKK.

 

Agree, even the failed incentives pretty much all offered vaccines in Bangkok hospitals (or Phuket) but the provinces in general I feel are very much being neglected.

 

I for one am not prepared to ride a minvan for 5 or 6 hours to end up in a dark red zone and have to book a hotel, all increasing my risk of coming down with covid. Seems too much like tempting fate to me, I feel relatively safe here for now. Of course where I live will undoubtedly mean me travelling but surely each province has enough facilities.

 

As to the OP I feel you could do more for UK citizens, or at least you should WANT to do more, but seem reluctant to try.

[Eff1n2ret]

18 hours ago, poohy said:

Might sound stupid cannot vaccines that require no special transport just be purchased or made available to purchase online i and be sent here via DHL or equivalent

Its really time to sort it out ourselves because its looking like no one will / can /or is interested

I searched on Lazada, but they don't seem to have any.

Seriously, where do you think a private individual could buy a vaccine? In Thailand the supply is entirely controlled by the Government, and I don't know of any wholesalers anywhere. Even if you found a (genuine) supplier abroad, your DHL package wouldn't get any further than Customs, because a special licence is required to import any medical equipment into Thailand.

[thonglorjimmy]

[jomtienisgood]

17 hours ago, thonglorjimmy said:

After the French, now the Swiss, we'll all be up next by the end of the year...On a serious note it would only be beneficiary to the Th Government to allow all Embassies to take care of their own Nationals.....

[Oxx]

18 minutes ago, jomtienisgood said:

On a serious note it would only be beneficiary to the Th Government to allow all Embassies to take care of their own Nationals

 

I'm not aware of the Thai government's stopping them.  It's the Embassies and their masters in the home countries that are utterly indifferent to the fate of their overseas citizens.

Edited July 7, 2021 by Oxx