Thai Prime Minister Gets AstraZeneca Jab, Govt Reassures Public Safety Amid Cluster Case

Covid-19 in Thailand March 2021 


Thailand experienced a surge in Covid-19 cases towards the end of 2020 that lasted well into the beginning of 2021. This resulted in stringent health, travel and safety measures that quickly dimmed any hope of international travel for Thais, along with different vaccination plans

On 16th March 2021, the National News Bureau of Thailand reported that Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha along with 15 other members of parliament received their first doses of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine


Vaccinations in Thailand


Covid-19 vaccinations in Thailand have been discussed since 2020. Originally, they were supposed to be available to the public earlier this year in February, but were delayed due to a number of reasons. 

Image credit: National News Bureau Thailand

However, as of 15th March 2021, individuals in 10 out of 13 provinces in the Kingdom of Thailand have received the first dose of their Covid-19 vaccine


Cluster case in Bangkok 


Amid news about potential immunisations comes talks of a potential cluster case originating from markets in the Bang Khae area, according to Bangkok Post. There are said to be around 156 cases that can be traced back to this area.

Image credit: Thairath via Pattaya News

Earlier this morning, six markets in the Bang Khae area were ordered to close until Thursday 18th March by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) in order for authorities to conduct active testing of all vendors.


Songkran holidays unlikely to be affected 


While concerns about the cluster case leading to another surge in cases are rising, the government has assured the public that they have been able to keep similar congregate infections under control. 

Thus, authorities have stated that residents shouldn’t hurry to cancel their travel plans just yet. 

For more on Covid-19 in Thailand: 

https://thesmartlocal.com/thailand/covid19-protests-thailand/


Cover images adapted from: Wikipedia (Right), National News Bureau Thailand (Left)

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Sam Mai: