Op-Ed: Japan helps Thailand to better fight Covid-19

[webfact]

 

It took Japan just two weeks to deliver the 1.05 million doses of vaccines to Thailand following Tokyo’s pledge to donate the shots. The speedy delivery is a strong barometer of how much Japan values the kingdom’s added strategic value, especially during the pandemic.

 

Japan’s assistance to Thailand has been both systematic and smooth. A senior Foreign Ministry official told PBS World that the country appreciated Japan’s quick delivery, especially at a time when the country itself is facing various challenges posed by upticks in infections and the hosting of the Olympic Games. He said that Japan and Thailand have a special bond because the two countries have been helping each other in times of both war and peace. “It’s very special,” he reiterated. Thailand and Japan were on the same side during World War II.

 

The Covid-19 related assistance comprises three parts—donation of vaccines, provision of cold chain equipment needed for vaccine transportation and storage, and support for strengthening diagnostic systems and developing drug treatments. The Astra Zeneca vaccines, which were produced in Japan, come at the right time as Thailand is in dire need of more jabs for its 70 million population.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/op-ed-japan-helps-thailand-to-better-fight-covid-19/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-07-13

 

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[colinneil]

4 minutes ago, webfact said:

It took Japan just two weeks to deliver the 1.05 million doses of vaccines to Thailand following Tokyo’s pledge to donate the shots.

Yes it took Japan just 2 weeks, compare this to Prayuts pathetic attempts/ lies regarding time to get vaccines delivered.

Sad that other countries are doing what this government have failed to do..... Deliver vaccines.

[nikmar]

Just now, webfact said:

Japan and Thailand have a special bond because the two countries have been helping each other in times of both war and peace. “It’s very special,” he reiterated. Thailand and Japan were on the same side during World War II.

I m not entirely sure he thought about this statement before speaking!

[Fex Bluse]

Everyone helps the Thais, except themselves. For a nation so proud, they seem to leave their fate to foreigners almost every time.

 

The US donated far more than Japan, but no op-ed. I wonder why (I don't actually).

[grandpa]

9 minutes ago, webfact said:

Thailand and Japan were on the same side during World War II.

But they lost! Plus many Thais were used as slave labour and died on the infamous Siam-Burma railway construction!  Hardly something to boast about!

 

[John Drake]

1 minute ago, Fex Bluse said:

Everyone helps the Thais, except themselves. For a nation so proud, they seem to leave their fate to foreigners almost every time.

 

The US donated far more than Japan, but no op-ed. I wonder why (I don't actually).

Because the same editorial criticized the US. Go to the original story in the link and read this:

Quote

It is very interesting to note that several weeks after the United States pledged to donate the Pfizer-made vaccines, the shipment has yet to arrive. Two weeks ago, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, revealed that Washington would donate 1.5 million doses. It was supposed to be big and welcome news. Instead, due to the delay in deliveries, the American vaccines have been politicized and numerous conspiracy theories have been born.

If Thailand prefers Japanese AZ and doesn't like getting the Pfizer and $40 million from the US, perhaps the US should rescind the gift and tell Thailand to pay for everything.

[ikke1959]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Thailand and Japan were on the same side during World War II.

Look what that brought in Kanchanaburi....Something to be proud of....Now 1.05 million vaccines are given as a kind of sorry???

[Surelynot]

Not to be sneezed at...............but this is just one day's worth of vaccine to Japan.

[rbkk]

1 hour ago, grandpa said:

But they lost! Plus many Thais were used as slave labour and died on the infamous Siam-Burma railway construction!  Hardly something to boast about!

 

It's not in the Thai's history curriculum at school so a Thai wouldn't know that. The teachers were not taught that so the students have not been taught.

[Surelynot]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand and Japan were on the same side during World War II.

Thailand in World War II officially adopted a position of neutrality until the five hour-long Japanese invasion of Thailand on 8 December 1941 which led to an armistice and military alliance treaty between Thailand and the Japanese Empire in mid-December 1941.

 

Five hour invasion???

Edited July 13, 2021 by Surelynot