AstraZeneca Covid-19 Vaccines Have Arrived In Thailand

Covid-19 vaccine in Thailand

After months of experiencing a “New Normal” with limited restrictions, Thailand experienced a spike of Covid-19 cases in December forcing the nation to implement stringent measures.

The Royal Thai Government also responded by announcing that vaccinations against the novel coronavirus were due to start on 14th February 2021 – weeks later, citizens are still wondering when inoculations are due to begin.

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Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the arrival of AstraZeneca and CoronaVac this week.

Vaccines from Italy and China have arrived

January was characterised by immense discussion of Covid-19 vaccines: it seemed that there were daily updates on the type of vaccines to be imported, which ones were FDA approved, whether private organisations could purchase them and of course, when they would be available to the public.

thai prime minister with deputy minister
Image credit: Kapook

The silence was broken earlier this week when Mr. Charnvirakul announced that 117,000 doses of AstraZeneca will arrive from Italy along with 200,000 doses of CoronaVac from China, according to Coconuts Bangkok.

The Minister of Public Health also explained government silence surrounding the vaccine: he mentioned that previous announcements led to public dissent, which led to concern from pharmaceutical companies about supplying inoculation to the Kingdom.

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Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-o-cha will be the first recipient of the vaccine; the 66-year-old leader will be jabbed with AstraZeneca’s shot due to concerns about CoronaVac’s effects on individuals over 60.

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Continued vigilance amidst vaccinations and easing of restrictions

With restrictions easing, we’re also bound to let our guards down. While Thailand has proved vigilant against the novel coronavirus, it’s vital that we continue to uphold high standards of hygiene to maintain the ‘New Normal’.

Be sure to wash your hands, wear a mask, practice social distancing and monitor your own health.

Read more about current happenings in Thailand here: