Expat Covid vaccination for the provinces outside the Bangkok area

[sanghamitra]

My point is in reference to people who live outside the Bangkok area (eg, northern provinces) who are desperate for covid vaccination.

 

Breaking News today reported:
A letter issued by the Ministry of Public Health on Tuesday has told all provincial health staff throughout Thailand to vaccinate all people in three high risk groups.
And for what is believed to be the the first time in an official letter foreigners are specifically mentioned.
The three groups who should be vaccinated against Covid-19 immediately are the over 60s, people with seven underlying health conditions and pregnant women.
The letter dated 20th July is from MoPH official Kiatphoom Wongjarit.
At the end of the letter is says that this order applies to foreigners too, reported PPTV36.
Yesterday registration was opened up for 60 year old foreigners or people born in 1961 to register for vaccination online for jabs at Bang Sue Grand Central Station in northern Bangkok.

 

Whilst this is most commendable for people living in the Bangkok area, what about all the expats who live outside this area, eg Chiangmai ?

Why is this service not being made available for ALL provices?

Especially now that travel has been clamped down on so people do not have the option to go to Bangkok for vaccinations..

 

Regards

 

Minnie

 

 

[tonray]

I think your best bet is to contact your local hospital. If they say there is no system then try and ask around to see where local Thais are getting vaccines and just show up.

[Tony M]

The latest Intervac notice says to contact the hospitals on the updated list.  Which I did.  I contacted Samitivej Hopsital in Bangkok, to ask if I can pre-register for vaccinations. Their response was :

 

Greetings from Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital.

We do confirm that we are now open for pre-registration of free government vaccination. It must be done on site at 1st Floor, Building 1 Front Lobby near the spiral staircase from 08:30 to 16:00. The patient must bring their valid passport or 13 digit Social Security Number for the process.

Thank you.

 

In view of the current restrictions on inter-provincial travel, the possible risk(s) involved in going to Bangkok (I live in Jomtien), I asked the hospital if it is really necessary to travel to Bangkok to show my passport.  Their response, just received :

 

We sincerely regret to inform you that this is the new pre-registration policy. You may also contact Samitivej Sriracha Hospital to check their opening or visit the link below to check for updates of the vaccination center list near you.

http://www.thailandintervac.com/

We apologize for the inconvenience. 

 

I sent another question to the hospital, and got this response :

 

We apologize for the inconvenience but we have to follow the official announcement from the government per Thailand Intervac Website.

Please follow the link http://www.thailandintervac.com/ closely for further updates regarding interprovincial travels as there are many hospitals available to provide vaccine and if your residence is not in Bangkok, it is not adviseable that you travel to and from Bangkok when it is not necessary.

Kindly check with your local hospital and facilities for possible vaccination location in your residential area.

Thank you very much for understanding.

 

I can't think of any reason why this can be either necessary or justified.  

Edited July 24, 2021 by Tony M

[tonray]

3 minutes ago, Tony M said:

I can't think of any reason why this can be either necessary or justified.  

I can't either. When I had first registered at Medpark hospital they only required a scan (pic) of your passport uploaded with the form. And the Bang Sue registration required nothing.. Although still waiting for SMS confirmation for tomorrow's appointment..not looking good at this point.

[oldcpu]

I vaguely recall, that Bangkok priority for the vaccines being administered (as a policy decision) was made a high priority, when Bangkok was among the top 'provinces' listed for daily new virus cases. Of course that situation has changed and Bangkok (on a per capita basis) is not as bad as some other areas.

 

Still a small number of other areas (unfortunately not most) outside of Bangkok have actually had a moderately high % of vaccines given to their population. Some of the southern resort areas in Thailand come to mind.

 

Also, some of the foreign countries have ensured vaccine given to their citizens in Thailand. China and France come to mind. For example, recently France has noted it can NOW provide J&J vaccine to all French citizens in Thailand age-18 and older, and it is also planning to obtain Pfizer and Moderna to French citizens who are willing to wait some unknown TBD period of time:  http://th.ambafrance.org/Vaccination-organisee-par-l-ambassade-de-France-La-Foire-aux-Questions-FAQ-5276

 

So its not 'cut and dry' that only those expats in Bangkok are getting a vaccine.    For example, I know of expats in Hua Hin and Chon Buri who have received a vaccine jab, albeit I concede they are in the minority. ...  I don't have anyone that I know currently in the Northern Provinces at present (as those I know who normally live in Northern Thailand are currently all out of country). 

 

I suspect it could be more difficult for those in Northern Thai Provinces to be vaccinated.

Edited July 25, 2021 by oldcpu

[mtls2005]

 

Updated

Edited July 25, 2021 by mtls2005