US citizens unable to get vaccinated

[DrPhibes]

Living in CM, just sent this off to a reply on the matter by a Congresswoman's assistant and sent a copy to the US State Dept, you are welcome to left the body of the message to send to news and gov officials:

 

I am writing you today to let you know how truly almost impossible it is for American citizens to get vaccinated here in Thailand.  Here is the response to a response from my Congresswoman's representative:

 

Hi Armando,

 

Thanks for the reply.

 

Don't know why you sent me information on the Philippines or why the VA is involved.  Thailand is not the Philippines and I sent you an e-mail about US citizens, not just veterans.

 

It is almost impossible for US citizens to get vaccinated here in Thailand.  The rollout in Thailand has been a disaster.  The registration systems for a shot, if you get on before the few slots are filled, go nowhere .  What few have been vaccinated were lucky to show up at the right time where shots were being administered and they had extra, got lucky on website registrations that are open for mere minutes before closing, or were well connected.

 

Meanwhile, a stockpile of vaccine is sitting in Guam (a US territory) where the government of Guam is promoting foreigners to come and get vaccinated for a price and could be in Thailand in a day.

 

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/taiwan-guam-vaccination-travel-intl-hnk/index.html

 

How is it Guam has vaccines to sell and none to get out to US citizens in Southeast Asia?  Traveling to Guam from Thailand is very difficult with weeks of quarantine involved between the two countries (or to the US for that matter) even if vaccinated.

 

There is a shipment of 1.5 million doses of Pfizer being donated by the US to Thailand very soon with none reserved for Americans living here from we can read. The US embassy here in Thailand has our information or can easily acquire it via a website sign up.

 

China has been able to vaccinate their citizens in Thailand, hell even the French have done it already!  There is no logistical reason why the US can not get vaccines from Guam to Thailand or reserve vaccines coming to Thailand and set up vaccination centers at hospitals to meet it's promise to vaccinate every American citizen.  We vote, we pay our US taxes, we are American citizens, why are we not being treated as such?  I can not relay to you just how angry we US citizens here in Thailand are at how we are being ignored by our own country during this pandemic disaster.

 

This very recent article sums up the frustration of not just Australian citizens but us US citizens are well.

(https://www.afr.com/world/asia/please-send-vaccines-expats-in-thailand-plead-20210708-p5884w)

 

On 7/15/2021 7:02 AM, Armando Gonzalez wrote:

    Hello Mr. ------,

    We reached out to the VA and below you will find their response.

    Thank you so much for reaching out to GLA. As per our conversation, the Manila VA Outpatient Clinic in the Philippines has limited supply of the COVID19 vaccine and the process for getting the vaccine is difficult. VISN21 Deputy Network Director, which oversees the Manila VA Outpatient Clinic, suggested for Mr. Evans to go through the Foreign Medical Program (FMP) – Community Care. Below is the link

    Foreign Medical Program (FMP) - Community Care (va.gov)

    I hope this information is helpful.

    Regards,

    Armando

    Armando Gonzalez

 

[NancyL]

Greetings from Guam, where America's day begins. 

 

I got so fed up with inaction on the part of the governments of Thailand, Chiang Mai and the U.S. Embassy in Thailand that I put together a trip for myself to Guam.  It's a wonderful place and the Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available for free at a local mall.  There is no need to quarantine if you arrive with a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of your international departure.

 

I received approval for a COE from the Thai Consulate in Los Angeles within a couple days of applying.  Stupidly, I still have to do 14 days quarantine in Bangkok.  Phuket isn't an option because there aren't any direct flights to Phuket from this part of the world.

 

Like the OP, I had written to my representatives in Congress and the Senate.  Only one replied and she just didn't understand the problem either.  She gave me the link to the U.S. Embassy Bangkok's website about how they don't supply medical care to Americans in Thailand.  Just didn't get it, did she?

 

When I went to get my PCR test at Bangkok Hospital-Chiang Mai, I also asked to talk with a psychiatrist.  I was so angry at the Thai and U.S. governments that I needed to talk with someone about it.  He said the Thai people are justifiably angry, too.

 

[Dante99]

So Nancy that sounds great.

 

What is the approximate total RT air fare CM to Guam to CM?

 

How many days do you have to stay to get the two shots?

[utalkin2me]

Governments never care, nor should they if truth be told. Their job is basically to make government bigger. 

[DrPhibes]

3 hours ago, NancyL said:

Greetings from Guam, where America's day begins. 

 

I got so fed up with inaction on the part of the governments of Thailand, Chiang Mai and the U.S. Embassy in Thailand that I put together a trip for myself to Guam.  It's a wonderful place and the Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available for free at a local mall.  There is no need to quarantine if you arrive with a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of your international departure.

 

I received approval for a COE from the Thai Consulate in Los Angeles within a couple days of applying.  Stupidly, I still have to do 14 days quarantine in Bangkok.  Phuket isn't an option because there aren't any direct flights to Phuket from this part of the world.

 

Like the OP, I had written to my representatives in Congress and the Senate.  Only one replied and she just didn't understand the problem either.  She gave me the link to the U.S. Embassy Bangkok's website about how they don't supply medical care to Americans in Thailand.  Just didn't get it, did she?

 

When I went to get my PCR test at Bangkok Hospital-Chiang Mai, I also asked to talk with a psychiatrist.  I was so angry at the Thai and U.S. governments that I needed to talk with someone about it.  He said the Thai people are justifiably angry, too.

 

That's GREAT to hear!  We all would love a bit of details on cost and flight lengths and which flights.  Problem for some of us is the fact that we have jobs and family here in Thailand.  Unless it is a J&J shot, you will need 2 shots about 3 to 4 weeks apart depending on shot so you are talking at least a month in Guam (unless J&J shot) and 2 weeks of quarantine in Thailand.  Thailand quarantine runs about 45-70,000 baht on average, were you required to stay in a special hotel (Dusit Thani Guam Resort, Grand Plaza Hotel, Guam Reef Hotel, Hotel Nikko Guam, Hyatt Regency Guam, LeoPalace Resort, Lotte Hotel, Pacific Islands Club, Royal Orchid Hotel, and the Tsubaki Tower) and roughly what is that costing you?  I checked the Guam Reef Hotel (I think about the cheapest) and it was about $5,000 USD for a month.  A round trip flight out of Bangkok is about $3,000 to $5,000 USD unless you want to wait until August 2nd when it drops to $1,500-ish USD.  Shortest flight is 11hrs 35 min total and only 1 flight combo for that otherwise about 20hrs one way.  This of course does not take into consideration the money you would spend if having to stay a month.  For those interested in details:

 

https://www.visitguam.com/airvv/

 

Please let us know some details when you can and thanks for posting!

[Crossy]

4 hours ago, NancyL said:

Greetings from Guam, where America's day begins. 

 

Can anyone get jabbed in Guam? Or is it just US citizens?

[DrPhibes]

2 minutes ago, Crossy said:

 

Can anyone get jabbed in Guam? Or is it just US citizens?

I posted a whole article  a while ago on Guam (a US territory) sitting on a spectrum of vaccines and how they are now soliciting non-US citizens vaccine vacations to come get vaccinated.  Those vaccines could be coming here.  I don't know how to look at all the articles I have posted and welcome the info on how to do it so I could point you to it.

 

Here is the vaccine tourism website

 

https://www.visitguam.com/airvv/

 

For all that want to come, not just US citizens.

[NancyL]

16 hours ago, Dante99 said:

So Nancy that sounds great.

 

What is the approximate total RT air fare CM to Guam to CM?

 

How many days do you have to stay to get the two shots?

You a round trip to Guam is about the same cost as a round trip to the west coast on the U.S. in economy class, about 34,000 baht.  Just much, much shorter.  I went business class, which was much less expensive than business class to the west coast of the U.S.

 

You can get the Johnson & Johnson one shot and, in theory, just stay three days.  I'd suggest staying at least 14 to be considered fully vaccinated and get some good rest and a little holiday.

 

As for Moderna and Pfizer, use Google to see what's recommended for the interval between vaccinations.

[NancyL]

13 hours ago, DrPhibes said:

I posted a whole article  a while ago on Guam (a US territory) sitting on a spectrum of vaccines and how they are now soliciting non-US citizens vaccine vacations to come get vaccinated.  Those vaccines could be coming here.  I don't know how to look at all the articles I have posted and welcome the info on how to do it so I could point you to it.

 

Here is the vaccine tourism website

 

https://www.visitguam.com/airvv/

 

For all that want to come, not just US citizens.

Now that there is no quarantine for those who enter Guam with a negative PCR test, you don't have to stay in one of the eleven Air V & V hotels.  You can stay in a cheap guesthouse and make your own arrangements for vaccination.

 

But, all of those hotels are fantastic and if you have the money, the Air V & V program is an very easy way to get vaccinated and have the necessary follow-up tests.  It's especially attractive if you aren't from the U.S. and will have to pay for your vaccine anyway.  

 

Incidentally, people from something like 39 countries can enter Guam visa-free.  Basically UK, Australia, NZ, Canada and most, if not all, European countries.  

[NancyL]

I'm staying at the Hyatt Regency Guam, which would be a great place for families.  They have a fantastic pool system between the hotel and the ocean.  Use Google images to check it out.  Also family suites with a play area stocked with toys and a special bathing area in the bathroom for infants.  

 

The hotel internet is great, so if your child is doing distance learning now, Guam would be great.  It's three hours ahead of Thailand, so the family could enjoy breakfast and some fun in the pools (it's a connected system with waterslides) before school time and another dip in the pools or maybe kayaking in the ocean before dinner.  No jet skis or power boats allowed in this portion of the ocean, so it's safe for children.  And quiet.

[utalkin2me]

That is the most confusing op I have ever seen

[tonray]

21 hours ago, DrPhibes said:

hell even the French have done it already!

That about says it all.....

[tonray]

27 minutes ago, NancyL said:

You a round trip to Guam is about the same cost as a round trip to the west coast on the U.S. in economy class, about 34,000 baht.  Just much, much shorter.  I went business class, which was much less expensive than business class to the west coast of the U.S.

 

You can get the Johnson & Johnson one shot and, in theory, just stay three days.  I'd suggest staying at least 14 to be considered fully vaccinated and get some good rest and a little holiday.

 

As for Moderna and Pfizer, use Google to see what's recommended for the interval between vaccinations.

Just add a 'Guam Walking Street' and the floodgates will open...

[DrPhibes]

1 hour ago, utalkin2me said:

That is the most confusing op I have ever seen

Ya, sorry, I should have arranged it a bit better logically.  Trying to rush the post before the electrical storm here in Chiang Mai knocked power out again.  It was a post to the US State Dept of a reply I made to a US House Rep assistant who completely missed the mark replying to my original e-mail regarding a spectrum of vaccine sitting in Guam that could be here in a day and how it is almost impossible to get a shot here.    I'll do better in the future.

[pseudorabies]

When you finish ASQ you are certified to be free of COVID.  But then when you walk out of the hotel you are entering a hotbed of COVID delta variant infections. ASQ made sense before but not much now, particularly for those who are vaccinated. Entry of new variants could be a concern but as we've seen repeatedly virus will get in through Thailand's porous land borders anyway.

 

Thailand could (and should) make it easier for those who can and want to get vaccinated abroad.  However it would mean potentially losing face which, as we know, is unacceptable.  Even when lives are at stake.

[NancyL]

40 minutes ago, pseudorabies said:

When you finish ASQ you are certified to be free of COVID.  But then when you walk out of the hotel you are entering a hotbed of COVID delta variant infections. ASQ made sense before but not much now, particularly for those who are vaccinated. Entry of new variants could be a concern but as we've seen repeatedly virus will get in through Thailand's porous land borders anyway.

 

Thailand could (and should) make it easier for those who can and want to get vaccinated abroad.  However it would mean potentially losing face which, as we know, is unacceptable.  Even when lives are at stake.

I am not looking forward to ASQ quarantine in Bangkok.  No direct flights to Phuket from this part of the world.  The rules for Bangkok ASQ make no sense for someone who has been vaccinated and tests negative. 

 

No outside contact.  No ordering in food, but can be delivered by family (?) , sure like Hubby will come from Chiang Mai.  No laundry service, no housekeeping service, limited menu choices served in wasteful disposable plastic during limited serving hours.  No alcohol.  No leaving the room for fresh air, exercise, swimming.  After the freedom of Guam this is going to be a long two weeks.  At least my Netflix and mobile will work in Bangkok.

[The Hammer2021]

19 hours ago, utalkin2me said:

Governments never care, nor should they if truth be told. Their job is basically to make government bigger. 

They have a legal duty of care

[DrPhibes]

24 minutes ago, NancyL said:

I am not looking forward to ASQ quarantine in Bangkok.  No direct flights to Phuket from this part of the world.  The rules for Bangkok ASQ make no sense for someone who has been vaccinated and tests negative. 

 

No outside contact.  No ordering in food, but can be delivered by family (?) , sure like Hubby will come from Chiang Mai.  No laundry service, no housekeeping service, limited menu choices served in wasteful disposable plastic during limited serving hours.  No alcohol.  No leaving the room for fresh air, exercise, swimming.  After the freedom of Guam this is going to be a long two weeks.  At least my Netflix and mobile will work in Bangkok.

Have you tried Skyscanner for a flight to Phuket?  There are ones as low as $715 USD but take 34hrs and ones at $2470 but get you there in about 24hrs.  They all seem to leave Singapore as the last leg to get to Phuket which makes it a direct flight from an international location.

[Rimmer]

Off topic troll post removed

[canthai55]

2 hours ago, The Hammer2021 said:

They have a legal duty of care

Which has NEVER been enforced, and NEVER will be enforced.

Tried taking the Gov't to court - anywhere in the world ?

555

[MrBrad]

22 hours ago, pseudorabies said:

 

"Thailand could (and should) make it easier for those who can and want to get vaccinated abroad."

Rather than making it easier to get vaccinated abroad, the Thai government should just make it easier (or rather, possible) to get vaccinated right here.

[hml367]

1 hour ago, MrBrad said:

Rather than making it easier to get vaccinated abroad, the Thai government should just make it easier (or rather, possible) to get vaccinated right here.

 

Location.pdf

[pseudorabies]

1 hour ago, MrBrad said:

Rather than making it easier to get vaccinated abroad, the Thai government should just make it easier (or rather, possible) to get vaccinated right here.

Agreed.

However, despite having registered for the Moderna vaccine, I've totally given up on getting vaccinated here in Thailand. Unlike the government (hope for the best, plan for the best) I've come to hope for the best and totally expect the worst.  I have no confidence in them to do anything correctly or morally responsible when it comes to COVID. 

[pseudorabies]

FYI - I found this on the US Embassy's webpage this morning, an offer to get vaccinated along with the Aussies -

 

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

 

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Event: COVID-19 Vaccine Opportunity for U.S. Citizens – July 17, 2021

The Thai Government has informed the U.S. Embassy that it is offering U.S. citizens in Thailand the opportunity to be vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine at 4 p.m. this Sunday July 18, 2021 at SCG Headquarters in Bang Sue area of Bangkok. (See location map here: https://goo.gl/maps/dFRM8oycooZTtQJW8).

IMPORTANT: Doses are limited. Those who are successful obtaining an appointment will be contacted. If you do not receive a return email verifying your appointment, assume all appointments have been filled.

To register please click on this link: https://bit.ly/USTHvax2021

To get an appointment, you MUST: 1) pre-register through the above link AND, 2) receive an email confirmation from the Thai government.

Do not show up at the vaccination location without the above two things, or you will be turned away. 

Please Note:  By filling out this form, you acknowledge that your information is going directly to the Thai Government coordinating officials, not the U.S. Embassy.

This opportunity is available in Bangkok this Sunday only. You will need to make your own travel arrangements to the vaccination site.

This is a limited opportunity offered by the Thai Government. We do not know when/if similar opportunities will arise again in the future.

Registration information is being collected by the Royal Thai Government, not the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok.  The U.S. Embassy will not have access to information on the form.

Resources for information on local COVID-19 restrictions include:

• Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT): Updates available on their website (https://www.tatnews.org/category/thailand-tourism-updates/) or by calling the TAT Call Center at +66 2 250 5500 or 1672 from within Thailand.
• Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Updates in English available on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/mfathailand).
• Thai Government Public Relations Department: Updates on their website (https://thailand.prd.go.th/main.php?filename=index) and on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/thailandprd/).
• Chiang Mai Province COVID-19 updates: https://www.facebook.com/Chiangmaidatacenter
• Local media.

 

 

Talk about a whisper campaign...

[pseudorabies]

2 minutes ago, pseudorabies said:

FYI - I found this on the US Embassy's webpage this morning, an offer to get vaccinated along with the Aussies -

 

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

 

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Event: COVID-19 Vaccine Opportunity for U.S. Citizens – July 17, 2021

The Thai Government has informed the U.S. Embassy that it is offering U.S. citizens in Thailand the opportunity to be vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine at 4 p.m. this Sunday July 18, 2021 at SCG Headquarters in Bang Sue area of Bangkok. (See location map here: https://goo.gl/maps/dFRM8oycooZTtQJW8).

IMPORTANT: Doses are limited. Those who are successful obtaining an appointment will be contacted. If you do not receive a return email verifying your appointment, assume all appointments have been filled.

To register please click on this link: https://bit.ly/USTHvax2021

To get an appointment, you MUST: 1) pre-register through the above link AND, 2) receive an email confirmation from the Thai government.

Do not show up at the vaccination location without the above two things, or you will be turned away. 

Please Note:  By filling out this form, you acknowledge that your information is going directly to the Thai Government coordinating officials, not the U.S. Embassy.

This opportunity is available in Bangkok this Sunday only. You will need to make your own travel arrangements to the vaccination site.

This is a limited opportunity offered by the Thai Government. We do not know when/if similar opportunities will arise again in the future.

Registration information is being collected by the Royal Thai Government, not the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok.  The U.S. Embassy will not have access to information on the form.

Resources for information on local COVID-19 restrictions include:

• Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT): Updates available on their website (https://www.tatnews.org/category/thailand-tourism-updates/) or by calling the TAT Call Center at +66 2 250 5500 or 1672 from within Thailand.
• Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Updates in English available on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/mfathailand).
• Thai Government Public Relations Department: Updates on their website (https://thailand.prd.go.th/main.php?filename=index) and on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/thailandprd/).
• Chiang Mai Province COVID-19 updates: https://www.facebook.com/Chiangmaidatacenter
• Local media.

 

 

Talk about a whisper campaign...

Nevermind... it is full as of 09:45 Saturday.  According to the US Embassy's website this was posted an hour ago, at around 08:45 Saturday.  Amazing.  My guess is that the Thai government just wanted to be able to say that they offered Aussies and Americans vaccines.

[bbko]

Just my two cents here.  I flew in from the states this May already fully vaccinated (two Pfizer shots) and only had to stay in a BKK ASQ hotel for 7 days.  The hotel was decent, if I wanted to buy anything (except alcohol) from the nearby 7-11 all I had to do was ask and it was delivered a few hours later.  As far as the meals included with the package, the hotels menu offered three choices per meal; Thai, western or other.  If I wanted something other I could pay out of pocket and order from the hotel kitchen (pizza, steak, ect).

 

I was originally booked for 14 days but they said since I was already vaccinated and had negative covid test before the flight and on day 3 of the hotel stay I only had to stay 7 days, hotel cost; around 16,000 baht. 

[billsmart]

I'm a US citizen, and I got vaccinated on Jun 7... ????

Just sayin'... ????

[Jingthing]

23 minutes ago, billsmart said:

I'm a US citizen, and I got vaccinated on Jun 7... ????

Just sayin'... ????

If you're going to post like that, you really should post details every time. From another post you said it was based on a Thai I.D. number on Mor Phrom. That was back in June too, right? How does that help people with passports NOW?

There is a great opportunity now in Bangkok at MedPark for expats with PASSPORTS but I'm not sure that most expats outside of Bangkok are going to be able to deal with the travel restrictions / potential quarantines to access that.

 

Covid19 Vaccine Expats - MedPark Hospital

[DrPhibes]

52 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

If you're going to post like that, you really should post details every time. From another post you said it was based on a Thai I.D. number on Mor Phrom. That was back in June too, right? How does that help people with passports NOW?

There is a great opportunity now in Bangkok at MedPark for expats with PASSPORTS but I'm not sure that most expats outside of Bangkok are going to be able to deal with the travel restrictions / potential quarantines to access that.

 

Covid19 Vaccine Expats - MedPark Hospital

I was able to register and get a date/time but was not given a choice of vaccine, anyone know what their dishing out?

[Jingthing]

13 minutes ago, DrPhibes said:

I was able to register and get a date/time but was not given a choice of vaccine, anyone know what their dishing out?

A member reported they told him AstraZeneca.