Norwegian in infection chaos in Thailand: Must go to Norway for vaccination

[snoop1130]

Knut Hauslo (77) has to travel from Thailand to Norway to get vaccinated. Photo: Private

 

With infection rates increasing sharply in Thailand, a very slow rollout of vaccines and no vaccine assistance from the Norwegian Government, 77-year-old Knut Hauslo now has to travel back to Norway with his wife to be vaccinated. To Dagbladet, he says the infection situation in the country is difficult and he calls it a bit insane that thousands of Scandinavians should fly up and down to get vaccinated.

 

Earlier this month Scandasia shared Dagbladet’s story of Knut Hauslo who is part of a group of elderly Norwegians permanently living in Thailand who hoped that the Norwegian Government would help them gain access to a vaccine. 

 

Full Story: https://scandasia.com/norwegian-in-infection-chaos-in-thailand-must-go-to-norway-for-vaccination/

 

-- © Copyright ScandAsia 2021-07-30

 

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[sucit]

It’s all absolute insanity. The stuff we are doing is the equivalent of the crazy person freaking out and screaming in public. It’s just all of us. 
 

Think about it. The guy is getting on planes, and into confined spaces like taxis, going through screenings with people around, all to save himself from a virus. I am criticizing the system not him. Anyone over a certain age should have easy access to the vaccines. I don’t care what passport you hold. 

[riclag]

May I suggest to contact the [Chinese] embassy here in Thailand, perhaps they could help in acquiring the vaccine of your choice or help to pay for the cost of travel to obtain it !

Good luck !

[DrJack54]

I only showed interest in obtaining AZ vaccine last week and was able to obtain at Bang Sue on Tuesday.

What was the chaps main issue. Had he previously made unsuccessful attempts.

It certainly hasn't been straight forward for some.

Edited July 30, 2021 by DrJack54

[ThailandRyan]

13 minutes ago, sucit said:

It’s all absolute insanity. The stuff we are doing is the equivalent of the crazy person freaking out and screaming in public. It’s just all of us. 
 

Think about it. The guy is getting on planes, and into confined spaces like taxis, going through screenings with people around, all to save himself from a virus. I am criticizing the system not him. Anyone over a certain age should have easy access to the vaccines. I don’t care what passport you hold. 

But then TIT and their vaccine rollout has not gone as they said it would.  In fact many have tried numerous times at hospitals all around Thailand only to be told Thai's only.  Then add in the vaccines given so tourism could be opened up.  Not only expats have been left behind but so have Thais.  You can see that any day with the photos from Bang Sue, and todays photos of them stacked like cordwood in Prachuap Khiri Khan trying to get in to be vaccinated.

Edited July 30, 2021 by ThailandRyan

[JudyB]

I don't get why he 'has' to go to Norway. There are various options to be vaccinated here, especially at his age. Many governments are not vaccinating their own people abroad. As an 'elderly' Brit I have been vaccinated by the Thai government

[Crossy]

Even just knuckling down and staying home and surviving on Deliveroo or whatever has to be better than flying halfway round the world in an aluminium tube packed in with other carrying lord knows what.

 

But as with many things in this world it's all Up2U.

 

[ArcticFox]

20 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

With infection rates increasing sharply in Thailand, a very slow rollout of vaccines and no vaccine assistance from the Norwegian Government, 77-year-old Knut Hauslo now has to travel back to Norway

Actually, he do not "have to travel back to Norway..."  He chooses to fly back to Norway.   Just like I don't "have to stay in Thailand" as I could chose to fly back to the US. 

But I choose to stay in Thailand and weather it out.  No one is twisting anybody's arms here.  These are choices, not imperatives.

[OneMoreFarang]

In the last weeks I saw several opportunities especially for people over 70.

He could get vaccinated in Thailand if he wants to and if he follows the news.

 

I also know a couple of older people who complain they didn't get vaccinated until now. I sent them messages with details where they could register and get vaccinated.

And then when I ask them I get answer like: I only want xyz vaccine and not any other. Or: Maybe another day. Lots of excuses. Don't blame the Thai government when YOU don't take the opportunities which are offered to you.

[Mickeymaus]

You can travel to Norway. But don't forget what happens if you want to come back... 

[LomSak27]

Given the beach in the picture, I reckon he is not in Bangkok. As most of the vaccine opportunities, the scads of them, require him to get  online with Bangkok hospitals, or surrounding jongwats, & register. Then if called, get his tuckus to Bangkok . If not then just like 70 and 75 years old's up here in CM, the ones with underlying symptoms, that have registered multiple places. He has not heard a word for months and now has to make other plans. Poor old gits but I can't blame them for taking matters in their own hands.  

 

They say though, vaccine it is coming. General Prayuth told me so. 

[bkk6060]

I thought Jomtien.  The article says he lives in Pattaya.

[cjinchiangrai]

Total non-story. Nobody else has access to vaccines either. What makes this [guy] so special?

 

Not one bit of sympathy for a self-entitled diva.

[Liverpool Lou]

1 hour ago, ThailandRyan said:

But then TIT and their vaccine rollout has not gone as they said it would.  In fact many have tried numerous times at hospitals all around Thailand only to be told Thai's only.  Then add in the vaccines given so tourism could be opened up.  Not only expats have been left behind but so have Thais.  You can see that any day with the photos from Bang Sue, and todays photos of them stacked like cordwood in Prachuap Khiri Khan trying to get in to be vaccinated.

Got my AZ vaccination at Phayathai 2 on Wednesday, an orderly, breeze for anyone who bothered to try to register continuously, early, every day when registration was offered.   I ended up with vaccination appointments at Phayathai 2, MedPark and Bangsue.   

Edited July 30, 2021 by Liverpool Lou

[Jingthing]

1 hour ago, cjinchiangrai said:

Total non-story. Nobody else has access to vaccines either. What makes this [guy] so special?

 

Not one bit of sympathy for a self-entitled diva.

That isn't true. 

He's in a high risk group.

High risk Thais were given priority over high risk non-Thais, though that situation is improving now.

At this point he doesn't need to travel to Norway.

If he has a doctor at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital there might still be time to get a jab soon by reference but supply is obviously very limited or they would open this up to the high risk public. 

If not, there surely will be registration opportunities in Bangkok or even Chonburi City for jabs in later August.

[Jingthing]

4 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Got my AZ vaccination at Phayathai 2 on Wednesday, a breeze if you were bothered to try to register early, every day when registration was offered.   I ended up with vaccination appointments at Phayathai 2, MedPark and Bangsue.   

That is VERY MISLEADING!
For that program this month in which I also got a jab there was a registration period of mere minutes for 5 days with openings of only 100 slots per day. That's 500 total for that program for ALL OF THAILAND.

I'm competent enough on computers and through trial and error and closely following tips and tricks posted on this forum I was able to get a slot on the VERY LAST DAY. Yes, lots of effort, some skill, but a heck of a lot of LUCK. Surely not every elderly person has any chance of competing under those conditions. 

 

That said there was another option at MedPark in which the registration page was open for multiple days. So clearly they had many more than 500 there. The Norwegian guy indeed could have registered there if he had known about it. 

Edited July 30, 2021 by Jingthing

[overherebc]

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

I only showed interest in obtaining AZ vaccine last week and was able to obtain at Bang Sue on Tuesday.

What was the chaps main issue. Had he previously made unsuccessful attempts.

It certainly hasn't been straight forward for some.

A general question not pointed at anyone or any nationality.

Do a lot of expats sit at home waiting for someone to knock the door and say 'we've come to give you a covid jab?.

[sammieuk1]

March hares are still about then! if you can't easily or safely get a vaccine yet do what you did before they were invented stay home out of the way simple???? 

[Orinoco]

7 minutes ago, overherebc said:

A general question not pointed at anyone or any nationality.

Do a lot of expats sit at home waiting for someone to knock the door and say 'we've come to give you a covid jab?.

Nah.

Went out last week to get one, money in hand

Sorley No Hab Mr. ( Isan ) !!!!!!!!! LOL.

 

 

 

Edited July 30, 2021 by Orinoco

[Liverpool Lou]

6 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

9 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Got my AZ vaccination at Phayathai 2 on Wednesday, a breeze if you were bothered to try to register early, every day when registration was offered.   I ended up with vaccination appointments at Phayathai 2, MedPark and Bangsue.   

That is VERY MISLEADING!
For that program this month in which I also got a jab there was a registration period of mere minutes for 5 days with openings of only 100 slots per day. That's 500 total for that program for ALL OF THAILAND.

I'm competent enough on computers and through trial and error and closely following tips and tricks posted on this forum I was able to get a slot on the VERY LAST DAY. Yes, lots of effort, some skill, but a heck of a lot of LUCK. Surely not every elderly person has any chance of competing under those conditions. 

No, it's not "very misleading", it's 100% accurate.   I had the same issues as everyone else and no computer skills were required, just patience and persistence.  I got one of my appts on the final day also.

[DrJack54]

9 minutes ago, overherebc said:

A general question not pointed at anyone or any nationality.

Do a lot of expats sit at home waiting for someone to knock the door and say 'we've come to give you a covid jab?.

Can only speak for myself.

I pretty much did nothing, as you mentioned.

My plan was to wait until supplies became available. Was planning on waiting till end of year and paying at private hospital.

As I'm on the MRT decided to take up the 60+ offer at Bang Sue.

As it turns out you can 'fudge' where you live part so it is available for folk with access to Bangkok. One example Chonburi etc.

Edited July 30, 2021 by DrJack54

[RotBenz8888]

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

Scandinavians should fly up and down to get vaccinated.

That's what I did in March/April, got 2 doses Moderna and 7 day quarantine after returning in Thailand. Didn't trust I'd get it done here.... 

[ThailandRyan]

17 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Got my AZ vaccination at Phayathai 2 on Wednesday, an orderly, breeze for anyone who bothered to try to register continuously, early, every day when registration was offered.   I ended up with vaccination appointments at Phayathai 2, MedPark and Bangsue.   

Being persistent is definitely what's needed.  I registered through the Mor Prom app in May, then thru Vimut Hospitals Facebook page and never received any info back until after I had been vaccinated after also being successful with the Intervac site and being vaccinated in June at MedPark with AZ.  1 week later on June 30th I received an SMS from BNH that my registration through the Mor Prom app for vaccine was successful and I would be given my AZ jab on July 1st, which of course I canceled, then on July 5th I received a SMS from Vimut that indicated my vaccination would be given on August 1st.  Had to cancel that one as well.  The registration through the two other sites were poorly run, and of course the intervac site had it's own problems as well. It is no wonder that people are having the issues with obtaining a vaccination anywhere here in BKK.  As I said in my post many have been denied and told Thai only, and then the Bang Sue station cluster with so many people packing in the walk-ins, both Thai and foreigners.  I count myself as one of the lucky ones.  However, @Liverpool Lou your post is misleading as many tried continuously only to be unsuccessful at registering or when they finally did get through were informed the appointments were full and the site was now closed.  Many folks also do not live where any vaccinations have been posted to be given. 

[Jingthing]

20 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

No, it's not "very misleading", it's 100% accurate.   I had the same issues as everyone else and no computer skills were required, just patience and persistence.  I got one of my appts on the final day also.

Agree to disagree. The slots there were VERY LIMITED. 

[Liverpool Lou]

27 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

48 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

No, it's not "very misleading", it's 100% accurate.   I had the same issues as everyone else and no computer skills were required, just patience and persistence.  I got one of my appts on the final day also.

Agree to disagree. The slots there were VERY LIMITED. 

I agree, they were very limited but I managed three appts by getting on as soon as the site opened and not giving up right up until the last day.  That was my point and several hundred others who were successful also would agree with me, I'm sure.  

[2 is 1]

All this hassle whit expat's vaccine dilemma is ridiculous! Why Thai goverment just not let private hospitals to buy and sell covid vaccines!? Also they can focus to give "normal" jabs to people who mostly needed, older etc. Ok maybe some dont like it that people who have money to buy can get that easy. 

[JudyB]

1 hour ago, OneMoreFarang said:

In the last weeks I saw several opportunities especially for people over 70.

He could get vaccinated in Thailand if he wants to and if he follows the news.

 

I also know a couple of older people who complain they didn't get vaccinated until now. I sent them messages with details where they could register and get vaccinated.

And then when I ask them I get answer like: I only want xyz vaccine and not any other. Or: Maybe another day. Lots of excuses. Don't blame the Thai government when YOU don't take the opportunities which are offered to you.

I think we have the same 'friends'! ????

[JudyB]

58 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

No, it's not "very misleading", it's 100% accurate.   I had the same issues as everyone else and no computer skills were required, just patience and persistence.  I got one of my appts on the final day also.

Same here - I had three appointments.  You can't expect to get told when/where to go - a bit of taking control of your life is what's needed

[sapson]

If they can give vaccines to private hospitals to administer for free in Bangkok, why the hell cant they also supply a couple of hospitals in each major hub city around the country with a simple registration process......its not rocket science or a logistical nightmare and since interprovincial travel is on hold its just plain common sense.

Edited July 30, 2021 by sapson

[samtam]

1 hour ago, LomSak27 said:

Given the beach in the picture, I reckon he is not in Bangkok. As most of the vaccine opportunities, the scads of them, require him to get  online with Bangkok hospitals, or surrounding jongwats, & register. Then if called, get his tuckus to Bangkok . If not then just like 70 and 75 years old's up here in CM, the ones with underlying symptoms, that have registered multiple places. He has not heard a word for months and now has to make other plans. Poor old gits but I can't blame them for taking matters in their own hands.  

 

They say though, vaccine it is coming. General Prayuth told me so. 

Perhaps easier to travel to Bangkok to get vaxxed than to Norway for the same purpose.

 

I do have sympathy. I was going out of my mind trying to get vaxxed, and finally ended up with 4 or more appointments through the many I had registered. I took the first one, and the day of my inoculation I cancelled all the other bookings, to enable them to be freed up to anybody in need.

 

Round 2 in October. I have an appointment for the second jab, but I am not expecting it to be a walk in the park, given the experience thus far. It's shameful that elderly, both foreigners and Thais, have had to endure this mental torture.