Covid-19 vaccination for all
Thailand plans to vaccinate everyone in the Kingdom – regardless of nationality -, said Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, Director-General of Thailand’s Department of Disease Control in an announcement today, 6th May 2021.
On the same date of the announcement, one million doses of the Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine arrived in Thailand. The batch is currently pending final approval before being dispatched to vaccination centres nationwide within the next seven days.
Below, we explain the government’s plans for mass vaccination.
Recent Covid-19 updates:
- Free Covid-19 testing and treatment for all Thais
- Thailand’s largest concert venue to be field hospital
- Thai organisations to implement “WFH” policy
Both Thais and foreigners have access to Covid-19 vaccines
Following international practice, foreign residents in Thailand will be vaccinated against Covid-19 at the same time as Thai citizens, said Dr. Kankawinpong this morning.
Image credit: Hfocus
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha delivered a similar statement, where he reiterated that Thais and foreigners will receive equal treatment in terms of COVID-19 medical attention.
Image credit: Pixabay
The government aims to create herd immunity – where at least 70% of residents, both Thai and foreign, are vaccinated – by the end of 2021.
It is important to note that the decision to get vaccinated against Covid-19 is completely up to each individual.
Arrival of one million Sinovac doses
One million doses of the Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine were also said to arrive in Thailand. The lot is currently being examined by the state before being approved for distribution to vaccination centres nationwide in seven days.
Image credit: Getty Images via BBC
The nation’s policy is to inoculate senior residents, those with chronic diseases, as well as all nationals who present a high-risk of contracting Covid-19, such as residents in the Khlong Toei district with vaccinations already begun since yesterday.
Thailand clears up false claims
Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong’s announcement came after remarks that foreigners are allegedly last in the queue for Covid-19 vaccination in Thailand.
Now that the official announcement has been made, we hope that foreigners can now enjoy some peace of mind.
More Covid-19 related news:
- No quarantine for international visitors in Phuket from 1st July
- PM Prayut fined for not wearing face mask in meeting
- Attractions in Thailand closed down due to Covid-19
Cover images adapted from: Hfocus (Left), Getty Images via BBC (Right)
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