The large-scale vaccination program in Thailand against Covid-19 will start next month, all foreigners in Thailand can also get a shot. 

“Anyone residing on Thai soil, both Thai and foreign, is requested to register for vaccination through appropriate channels if they wish to be vaccinated,” said deputy foreign ministry spokesman Natapanu Nopakun.

“This will allow authorities to plan ahead accordingly and avoid crowded gatherings and long queues on the vaccination day,” says Natapanu.

Foreigners are part of Thailand's efforts to achieve herd immunity and are encouraged to get vaccinated. The authorities have appointed several bodies to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

“For example, vaccinations for diplomats, members of international organizations and foreign media are coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreign students are the responsibility of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation”.

“Spouses of Thai nationals, pensioners, investors and all other foreigners are advised to contact the hospital where they are registered or register locally at designated vaccination sites.

“Companies and organizations can also contact the Ministry of Health to organize vaccination schedules for their employees, regardless of their nationality,” he says.

The governors of each province, as well as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, are tasked with organizing the nationwide vaccine rollout, the spokesman said.

To meet the requirements of the national vaccination campaign, the government has purchased vaccines from Sinovac and AstraZeneca. Additional vaccines will be sourced from other manufacturers, but AstraZeneca will deliver the first batch of locally produced vaccines in June. The goal is to vaccinate at least 2021% of the population by 70, and everyone else by early 2022.

In addition, there is an opportunity for the private sector to import vaccines through the public sector, such as the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO). This option allows people to choose their preferred vaccine, even if it differs from the vaccine provided by the government.

“However, some vaccines have yet to be approved by the WHO, the Thai FDA or the Ministry of Health. The Sinopharm vaccine imported by the Chulabhorn Research Academy is expected to arrive next month. This vaccine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 28, making it the fifth vaccine approved for emergency use. The other four vaccines are from AstraZeneca, Sinovac, Johnson & Johnson and Moderna,” said Natapanu

FDA Secretary General Paisarn Dankum said on Friday that applications to register two more Covid-19 vaccines, for which Sputnik V from Russia and Covaxin from India, are now being reviewed.

Source: Bangkok Post

29 responses to “Thailand wants foreigners to get vaccinated”

  1. ruud says up

    My “preference” actually went to Pfizer.
    I do wonder, at which of the hospitals I've ever been to and where I therefore have a file, I have to register.

    • pieter says up

      Astra Zeneca or Pfizer doesn't make much difference. In practice, the coverage ratio is almost the same. It is just measured differently, which makes Pfizer seem better, but as said, they are both fine.

  2. fred says up

    I think you can't choose. From what I read and hear it is that Sinovac or Astra. From tests apparently the least protective when it comes to those new variants. In addition, Sinovac is not approved anywhere…..so traveling within Europe will be difficult.
    Moderna would be the first alternative but that would not be available until October… would like to wait for that but who can assure me that it will be effective then? And walking around here for months without being vaccinated between a majority that have been vaccinated is also risky.

    • Ruud says up

      Moderator: Please provide a source for your statement.

  3. Gringo says up

    My medical record is maintained by Pattaya International Hospital in Soi 4, Pattaya.
    So it makes sense that I registered there today for the Covid vaccination.
    From the register that is used, I saw that I was not the only one. I estimate that just under a hundred foreigners have already been registered for an injection there.

  4. Eric says up

    A great utopia, try to register me through various channels in the last 2 weeks.
    Bkk Phuket hospital where my medical file is don't offer registrations, probably won't be profitable.
    Have now registered in 2 other provinces in 2 private hospitals, but no guarantee of success

    • fred says up

      I was already able to register when I was quarantined in Bangkok in October last year. That was then at the Bumungrad hospital. They sent me a questionnaire by email to fill out if I wanted to be eligible for vaccination.. I did that and I was on the waiting list from then on.
      I think that from next week I will go to a few hospitals in Pattaya. It all remains very vague… very chaotic. One day or even better one hour you read that and an hour after that something completely different.

  5. Jan says up

    Sad but I have little confidence in this Thai government with regard to their vaccination policy and especially for the availability of the vaccine for foreigners living in Thailand.
    Every day new contradictory messages ie untruths and are sent from pillar to post.
    My promised vaccination in June in Chiang Rai in the Waterford hospital therefore determines whether or not I travel to the Netherlands.
    No vaccination then goodbye.

    Jan

    • Ruud NK says up

      Jan do you think they can exclude the 2 – 3 million foreigners from vaccination? That is about 5% of those living in Thailand. But to think that all 69 million people who have not yet been vaccinated will be able to receive a shot in June if they wish is a bit naive. Please wait patiently before making a booking to the Netherlands.

      • Fact tester says up

        Ruud NK,
        I do it the other way around. Since I cannot expect a vaccination here in Pattaya in the coming months, I will travel to NL in mid-July. When I arrive in A'dam, my daughter's GP gives me a Janssen injection. The appointment has already been made. Can I immediately take a trip through Europe with the app and QR code?

    • fred says up

      This appeared in Pattaya Mail today.

      Thailand vaccination registration system confusing to foreigners

      And still no information as to what these websites are we need to use to register or any other form of registration!! We are getting so frustrated and angry with the lack of information! Here is Phuket there is absolutely NO information on how to go about registering. When trying the “Phuket must win” website it doesn't allow me to register (even when I have a Thai yellow house book and Thai pink ID card), secondly, I rang all 6 hospitals in Phuket and either they had no idea or they just told me “falang can't have”. There is ZERO information on the Phuket Government's website as well. Disgraceful and obvious discrimination of foreigners living and spending money here in Thailand.'…

      'It's for Thais only … shame on the Thai government and foreign embassies for not taking care of their own nationals here'…

      'I've called my hospital in Phuket. Their reply was they know nothing about this and quote “We haven't been notify by our management for such information yet, so probably that won't happen as it was announce”. I contacted Phuket public health and they won't reply. What's going on here?'…

    • Cornelis says up

      Jan, the Waterford hospital you say, where is that in Chiang Rai?
      Incidentally, I do know a number of foreigners here – Chiang Rai – who have an appointment for vaccination in June at the Overbrook hospital. Registration had been possible there for some time, I understood.

  6. CGM can Osch says up

    There is talk of designated vaccination sites.
    Is there a list or where can I find where those places are in Isaan?
    Yours sincerely.
    CGM van Osch.

    • ruudje says up

      I searched for the vaccination sites in Korat.
      The Mall and Central Plaza. I'm going to sign up with one of them.
      You might want to search the net for: vaccination centers in the Isaan (or a city near you)

      Greetings Rudy

  7. Hans van Mourik says up

    Wait until 01-01-2022.
    If I can't get the Pheizer or Moderna, I will go to the Netherlands, given my age of 79 years.
    Willing to pay for it, already given up in a private hospital.
    No knowledge about vaccinations yourself, go to the people.
    Have been in contact with my peers several times, they all have, Pheizer and no problems.
    Also had contact with the manager of Bronbeek, the residents have all received Moderna.
    Hans van Mourik

  8. Johnny B.G says up

    The headline of the article is well chosen.

    Many foreigners would like to have Moderna and would like to pay 3500 baht for it, but then it should be available in June and not somewhere in October.
    My wife may receive an injection in Bangkok sometime in August and as a husband I was referred to my hospital (SSO insured) who says it is full and advises to check with other hospitals.
    Personally I think it's all ok and the more there are vaccinated around me the less chance I get something I think. I live and work in dark red zones and am almost becoming a denier with that government mess. Would my daily home-brewed antioxidant drinks still help 🙂

  9. Nicky says up

    We are now registered 2 times. 1 x at mc cormick chiang mai with confirmed term and 1 time at the province website. We are still waiting for an answer on that

  10. Norbert says up

    My girlfriend had a first Pfizer and mid-June the 2nd. 1500 baht per shot. This is in Phaisali.

    • Erik2 says up

      Norbertus, that sounds very special. Pfizer is not yet approved in Thailand and the private hospitals have no vaccines at all. What do you know that all the other readers here, including me, don't know? Please help us.

      • fred says up

        There is no Pfizer vaccine in Thailand at the moment. And if it comes then it will certainly cost more than 1500 Baht. Indian stories galore these days.

  11. Cornelis says up

    A number of hospitals have already closed registration. The promised/announced delivery of the AstraZeneca to be produced in Thailand is apparently not going to happen…….
    https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1219026-hospitals-restrict-vaccine-registration-amid-supply-concerns/

    • RonnyLatYa says up

      Strange because a few days ago lots of 1-2 million were still approved by the inspection. And in the meantime they have handed in another 5 lots for approval.
      We'll see. Maybe they want to see butter with the fish first 😉

      Locally produced AstraZeneca vaccine passes inspection
      https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40001347

      For your information.
      The vaccine produced by Siam Bioscience has also passed the quality tests in Europe and US
      Siam Bioscience-produced AstraZeneca vaccine passes quality testing
      https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2112755/siam-bioscience-produced-astrazeneca-vaccine-passes-quality-testing

    • TheoB says up

      The delivery to the Philippines of the AstraZeneca vaccine to be produced in Thailand has already been postponed by a month and the quantity has been reduced by 10%.
      https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/first-astrazeneca-vaccine-exports-thailand-philippines-delayed-govt-adviser-2021-06-01/

      • RonnyLatYa says up

        The factory normally has to deliver to more Asian countries in the area

    • RonnyLatYa says up

      I just came back from the Military Hospital in Kanchanaburi.
      Can register for the vaccine without any problems. Lasted 5 minutes.
      I am also known in the administration there and did not have to fill in a patient form.
      Only my pink ID card was enough.
      On August 3rd at 10:00 am I should receive the AstraZeneca vaccine. That's what it says on the ticket I got. Was free she said.

  12. Wayan says up

    Today to government hospital in Mahasarakham (where I was not registered)
    So first registered and then to the Covid 19 department to make an appointment.
    (I used my Orange ID card)
    Within 5 minutes I had an appointment for July 1.
    Vaccination with AstraZenica, Cost Zero.
    I can only say that I am very satisfied with the service of the hospital

    • Cornelis says up

      ……and let's hope that you do get that shot on July 1!

      • Wayan says up

        I don't hope but believe in it
        But I am surprised with the many negative messages.
        And much , of I have heard , or read ,
        In any case, Mahasarakham hospital is reliable.
        From June 7, many registrations will follow
        Greetings

  13. Gerard Van Heyste says up

    I was already registered here in Bang Saray, at the same time as my wife. on date June 15! Now suddenly it doesn't work for my wife, I'm too old and have to wait until a hospital can do it? I thought the elderly had priority??
    My woman is going to get poked in Nong Nooch park?


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