Results 1 to 21 of 21
  1. #1
    Thailand Expat misskit's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Chiang Mai
    Posts
    48,105

    Questions raised about when Covid-19 vaccine will be available to expats

    Expats in Thailand might be in somewhat of a grey area when it comes to Covid-19 vaccines with Thai citizens likely to be the first priority during the rollout of vaccines.


    For Americans, the US Embassy in Bangkok says the US government does not plan to provide vaccines for “private” Americans living overseas.


    A representative from Thailand’s Disease Control Department told Coconuts Bangkok that free Covid-19 doses might become available to some foreigners.


    “Foreigners who work and pay taxes in Thailand might get it, but I’m pretty sure they will have to wait behind Thai nationals, unless they have changed their nationality.”

    Government spokesperson Kemmika Intanin told Coconuts Bangkok that specific conditions for Thais and expats receiving the vaccine haven’t been discussed.


    The Thai government has plans to vaccinate half of the Thai population by the end of the year, starting with the most vulnerable first. The Thai company Siam Bioscience is in the process of producing AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine which was developed in partnership with Oxford University. That vaccine is planned to be available to the public in May.


    In the midst of a new wave of Covid-19 infections, far exceeding the number of active cases in the first wave back in April, Thailand recently ordered vaccine doses from China’s Sinovac Biotech which are expected to arrive next month.


    In an alert by the US Embassy in Bangkok regarding Thailand’s current Covid-19 situation, the embassy added that the US government doesn’t plan to provide foreigners overseas with Covid-19 vaccines.

    “As part of our efforts to give U.S. citizens timely information so that they can make informed choices about travel abroad, the Department advises that the United States government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. U.S. citizens traveling or residing overseas should follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.”

    Questions raised about when Covid-19 vaccine will be available to expats | The Thaiger

  2. #2
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    96,555
    I assume when a vaccine has been approved in Thailand it will be possible to get it privately?

    Wouldn't surprise me if some of the government stock gets appropriated for this purpose anyway.

  3. #3
    Thailand Expat
    Buckaroo Banzai's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Last Online
    03-08-2023 @ 01:50 PM
    Location
    My couch
    Posts
    4,889
    Quote Originally Posted by harrybarracuda View Post
    I assume when a vaccine has been approved in Thailand it will be possible to get it privately?

    Wouldn't surprise me if some of the government stock gets appropriated for this purpose anyway.
    I agree , there is money to be made and I cant see Thai politicians leaving money on the table.

  4. #4
    Thailand Expat Backspin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2019
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    11,268
    Thailand looking at possible use of Russian Sputnik V anti-COVID vaccine

    BANGKOK, December 11. /TASS/. The Thai authorities are only looking at possible use of the Russian Sputnik V anti-coronavirus as they want to know long-term results of its use, director of Thailand’s National Vaccine Institute Dr. Nakorn Premsri said in an interview with TASS.
    The Sputnik V vaccine developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry consists of two solutions containing recombinant human adenoviruses Ad5 and Ad26, which are used as a transport (vector) to deliver the gene encoding the SARS-CoV-2 S-protein.



    Thailand looking at possible use of Russian Sputnik V anti-COVID vaccine - Science & Space - TASS

  5. #5
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Last Online
    Yesterday @ 03:24 PM
    Posts
    18,509
    Quote Originally Posted by harrybarracuda View Post
    I assume when a vaccine has been approved in Thailand it will be possible to get it privately?

    Wouldn't surprise me if some of the government stock gets appropriated for this purpose anyway.
    The Thai have already bought several million doses of the Oxford/Astra Zeneca vaccine and await delivery - doubtless the usual suspects will be vaccinated ahead of the teeming masses.

    But the implication the tens of thousands expat residents lawfully living here on retiree or spouse extensions will not qualify for inclusion in the vaccination programme because we don't pay taxes is nothing short of a fucking disgrace and even more grotesquely prejudiced than their usual racism. Billions of baht have been spent on property and manufactured products by us all, contributing mightily to their economy, not to mention the VAT on daily expenditure and the occasional payments we all make to extended family members needing help.

    The ingratitude of these so called hiso bastards never ceases to amaze. They simply do not consider us as human beings they have their pointy little heads stuck so far up their arses.

    I have already written to my embassy protesting at this barefaced prejudice. I suggest others do the same.

    That stupid bastard in the Thai disease control office seems to ignore the not entirely insignificant fact not to vaccinate a group that comprises several hundred thousands is plainly going to militate against the build up of herd immunity in the broader community.
    Last edited by Seekingasylum; 09-01-2021 at 10:21 AM.

  6. #6
    Hangin' Around cyrille's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Home
    Posts
    33,534
    Quote Originally Posted by Seekingasylum View Post
    I have already written to my embassy protesting at this barefaced prejudice. I suggest others do the same.


    Your slip was showing on that one.

  7. #7
    Thailand Expat
    panama hat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Last Online
    21-10-2023 @ 08:08 AM
    Location
    Way, Way South of the border now - thank God!
    Posts
    32,680
    Quote Originally Posted by misskit View Post
    For Americans, the US Embassy in Bangkok says the US government does not plan to provide vaccines for “private” Americans living overseas.
    Depending on which vaccine it simply wouldn't be possible.

  8. #8
    Hangin' Around cyrille's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Home
    Posts
    33,534
    Looks like a prime example of 'Private Enterprise - Thai Style' working out quite well for farang, rightly or wrongly.

  9. #9
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Last Online
    Today @ 06:56 AM
    Location
    Sanur
    Posts
    8,004
    Quote Originally Posted by Seekingasylum View Post
    That stupid bastard in the Thai disease control office seems to ignore the not entirely insignificant fact not to vaccinate a group that comprises several hundred thousands is plainly going to militate against the build up of herd immunity in the broader community.
    Fear not sainted one. I am certain some enterprising Thai will sell you a fake vaccine for a hugely inflated price. Likely saline solution to go with your salty tears. Har, har.

  10. #10
    Hangin' Around cyrille's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Home
    Posts
    33,534
    One shudders to think what salty solutions you'll be swapping with enterprising Balinese.

  11. #11
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Last Online
    Today @ 06:56 AM
    Location
    Sanur
    Posts
    8,004
    Quote Originally Posted by cyrille View Post
    One shudders to think what salty solutions you'll be swapping with enterprising Balinese.
    Unlike some people, I’m not tied to a job, a spouse, or a dead condo that I cannot use fully.

  12. #12
    Thailand Expat
    taxexile's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    19,335
    seeking o'sylum

    I have already written to my embassy
    would that be mr. gooding at the embassy of the country you hate so much and are eagerly awaiting its brexit induced downfall, or mr. cotter at the paddy embassy.

  13. #13
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Last Online
    Today @ 06:56 AM
    Location
    Sanur
    Posts
    8,004
    The current Thai government will simply point to the visa criteria for any farang and state that anyone capable of meeting the said criteria, is able to afford to buy their own vaccine.
    Any Xenophobe in town will quickly seize the opportunity to cash in on such privileged largesse.
    It was ever thus.
    Haing persuaded the farang community to transfer more than the amount actually required to live comfortably. Such investment can now be shamelessly plundered at no expense to the Thai economy.

  14. #14
    Thailand Expat jabir's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    12,009
    Quote Originally Posted by Switch View Post
    The current Thai government will simply point to the visa criteria for any farang and state that anyone capable of meeting the said criteria, is able to afford to buy their own vaccine.
    Any Xenophobe in town will quickly seize the opportunity to cash in on such privileged largesse.
    It was ever thus.
    Haing persuaded the farang community to transfer more than the amount actually required to live comfortably. Such investment can now be shamelessly plundered at no expense to the Thai economy.
    Surely not, not in Thailand!

  15. #15
    Thailand Expat OhOh's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Last Online
    Yesterday @ 08:43 PM
    Location
    Where troubles melt like lemon drops
    Posts
    25,222
    I'm not aware of any visa or extension to stay for long term foreign nationals, calling for a vaccination for the ever changing viruses.

    Or currently compulsory for Thai citizens.

    The province I live in has enough empty beaches, rivers, lakes and temples for visiting.

    The Cambodian border is still accessible, just a hop skip and a jump. There has been an increase in elephants killing farmers, allegedly, but they are all at work caring for their crops, none the less.

    Foods and drinks are available as usual, supermarkets, village markets and roadside "delicacies", 7/11s.....

    Mia nois for those that require them.

    Items purchased online, national or international, continue to be delivered, the postman delivers international mail, the ATMs are refilled, water in the tap or delivered in bottles to the door, electricity out of the socket, phone service and 5G, pharmacies full of foot cream ....

    Are shortages of essentials a problem where you live? Toilet tissue for those that still smear fill the shelves .....,
    Last edited by OhOh; 19-01-2021 at 08:38 PM.
    A tray full of GOLD is not worth a moment in time.

  16. #16
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Last Online
    Yesterday @ 03:24 PM
    Posts
    18,509
    Quote Originally Posted by taxexile View Post
    seeking o'sylum



    would that be mr. gooding at the embassy of the country you hate so much and are eagerly awaiting its brexit induced downfall, or mr. cotter at the paddy embassy.
    Gooding? I thought Davidson was still in harness and was extended to cover the embassy's transition from a post imperial colonial power fraying around the edges into a modern irrelevant minor state shoehorned into an insignificant office block more representative of its value to the world.

    I am against baby farming on grounds of general principle and certainly wouldn't condone the practice fostering the illusion of a quasi-family life by practising homosexuals.

    Did you read his comments on the Thai election. The guy is nauseating.

    Cotter is a fine man, blessedly quite normal and a proper diplomat.

  17. #17
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Last Online
    Today @ 06:56 AM
    Location
    Sanur
    Posts
    8,004
    Quote Originally Posted by OhOh View Post
    I'm not aware
    .... let’s just leave another of your whoosh moments right there.

  18. #18
    Thailand Expat
    taxexile's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    19,335
    s.a.

    Gooding? I thought Davidson was still in harness
    yes, you are correct. gooding takes over in the summer i think.

    its hard to keep up with the merry go round of mincers in the uk civil service these days, although you would have thought that after already having ticked off the gay box and in order to promote the diversity they are always harping on about they would have replaced him with a mixed race, a uniped, a trans in a dress or, god forbid and may it never come to pass, a heterosexual.

    for a reminder of the good old days its worth remembering the confidential comments and opinions of sir anthony rumbold upon leaving the post in 1967.

    "I have very much enjoyed living for a while in Thailand. One would have to be very insensitive or puritanical to take the view that the Thais had nothing to offer. It is true they have no literature, no painting, and only a very odd kind of music — that their sculpture, their ceramics and their dancing are borrowed from others — and that their architecture is monotonous and their interior decorations hideous. Nobody can deny that gambling and golf are the chief pleasures of the rich — and that licentiousness is the main pleasure of them all. But, it does a faded European good to spend some time among such a jolly, extrovert and anti-intellectual people!"

    full transcript here.
    http://https://downloads.bbc.co.uk/radio4/transcripts/Sir-Anthony-Rumbold.pdf

    enjoy!
    Last edited by taxexile; 20-01-2021 at 04:39 PM.

  19. #19
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Last Online
    Yesterday @ 03:24 PM
    Posts
    18,509
    Yes, I remember this from Matthew Parris' book compiled from assorted valedictory reports by ambassadors returning from their posts. Rumbold's insight was of course spot on and had them to a T and it seems nothing has changed except perhaps their addiction to mall life. Rumbold's next and last post was Vienna about which he was even more scathing and in such denigrating terms that in comparison to his report on leaving Bangkok it was probably true he was actually quite fond of the Thai.

  20. #20
    Thailand Expat
    Farang Ky Ay's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Last Online
    03-01-2022 @ 12:29 AM
    Location
    Chiang Mai
    Posts
    2,081
    I'm happy to wait, from what they say on Pantip many Thais want to be vaccinated... They believe Pharma companies press releases on their efficiency and don't fear side effects apparently.

    If most of the Thais are vaccinated, the small population of expats wouldn't be much at risk of being contaminated? Even more so if tourists must be vaccinated to be allowed to visit Thailand.

    I have doubts about the vaccines' efficiency, especially with a virus that mutate as much (about 6 strains in one year), and I have even higher doubt on side effects as the vaccines development has been rushed... especially when the Pharma companies have included a clause saying they can't be sued if there is an issue with their vaccine. Not reassuring at all.

    I come from a country that did have an issue with a vaccine, they (Pharma company and regulatory body) lied on the risk of transmission to get their permission to sell, then later the vaccine has been forbidden as it has risk of causing multiple sclerosis in adults and teenagers population. Now this vaccine is mandatory for 2 years old children as there is apparently little to no risk for this population.
    This and other health scandals that occurred make me quite wary of a rushed vaccine for a disease that kills 1% of the contaminated population.

    When hundreds of millions people will have been vaccinated and there is no reports of dramatic side effects, then I will get the shot (if they make it mandatory to be able to travel or going in public places such as restaurants, mall etc...a little bit Orwellian, but look at China and its social score)
    Last edited by Farang Ky Ay; 20-01-2021 at 08:26 PM.

  21. #21
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Last Online
    Today @ 06:56 AM
    Location
    Sanur
    Posts
    8,004
    Quote Originally Posted by Farang Ky Ay View Post
    I'm happy to wait, from what they say on Pantip many Thais want to be vaccinated... They believe Pharma companies press releases on their efficiency and don't fear side effects apparently.

    If most of the Thais are vaccinated, the small population of expats wouldn't be much at risk of being contaminated? Even more so if tourists must be vaccinated to be allowed to visit Thailand.

    I have doubts about the vaccines' efficiency, especially with a virus that mutate as much (about 6 strains in one year), and I have even higher doubt on side effects as the vaccines development has been rushed... especially when the Pharma companies have included a clause saying they can't be sued if there is an issue with their vaccine. Not reassuring at all.

    I come from a country that did have an issue with a vaccine, they (Pharma company and regulatory body) lied on the risk of transmission to get their permission to sell, then later the vaccine has been forbidden as it has risk of causing multiple sclerosis in adults and teenagers population. Now this vaccine is mandatory for 2 years old children as there is apparently little to no risk for this population.
    This and other health scandals that occurred make me quite wary of a rushed vaccine for a disease that kills 1% of the contaminated population.

    When hundreds of millions people will have been vaccinated and there is no reports of dramatic side effects, then I will get the shot (if they make it mandatory to be able to travel or going in public places such as restaurants, mall etc...a little bit Orwellian, but look at China and its social score)
    Once a vaccine passes the 3m mark of delivery, the makers will breathe a sigh of relief. That is their unwritten criteria for success.
    The glorious leader has declared that the Thai people will not be used as vaccine guinea pigs, so even if they have commercial or logistic issues, by the time it gets around to protecting them, the concern over side effects will have been diluted.
    As Emirates and Qatar are already trialling the new IATA travel app which records your testing and vaccination history, it won’t be long before struggling airlines pick it up. The new normal.

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •