Thailand's COVID-19 Vaccine Drive Begins for Expats and local Thais
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Thailand's COVID-19 Vaccine Drive Begins for Expats and local Thais

It’s official for Thailand! The national vaccination rollout for approximately 67 million Thais and 3 million expats is underway with millions already registered to receive their first jab within the next few weeks and months. The Thai government aims to administer 6 million doses in June alone and to vaccinate 70% of the population (50 million people) by the end of 2021. 

The mass vaccination campaign which began on June 7, 2021, has already made headlines as the country pushes to suppress the latest (third) wave of COVID-19 infections. Up to 1,000 vaccination centers have been set up across several provinces including Bangkok, which is the epicenter of the current wave. Both the public and private healthcare systems are heavily involved as health officials receive supplies of Sinovac and AstraZeneca to vaccinate those that have registered for their first jab.

As Thailand moves forward with its largest-ever inoculation program, this article by Pacific Prime Thailand explains what the vaccination program is, how expats can register for a vaccine, and includes several frequently asked questions from existing and prospective clients.

Thailand’s COVID-19 vaccination program

Thailand’s official vaccination program marks an important milestone for the country to bring new cases and deaths down and establish herd immunity in 2021. Currently, the government has announced for people (locals and expats) over the age of 60 with underlying health conditions/diseases to register and await their scheduled date to receive their first dose. 

Underlying conditions include:

  • Severe Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRDs)
  • Coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) (5th stage)
  • Stroke
  • Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity (weight > 100 kg or BMI > 35 kg/m2)

Before the official vaccination launch on June 7, the government’s Public Health Ministry had created an app - Mor Prom - for local Thai residents to register through. However, eligible expat individuals were advised to contact their local registered hospital to be put on the list.

How to register for the COVID-19 vaccination program in Thailand

Following on from the trial of the Mor Prom scheme, the Thai government created a separate registration process for those living in the capital as cases significantly rose in this region of the country. Below are the current and ongoing channels for local Thais and expats to register for their COVID-19 vaccine jab.

COVID-19 vaccine registration for local Thai residents in Bangkok 

Local Thais, between the age of 18 - 59, must register through the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) two main channels:

  1. www.?????????.com, which reads as "Thai Ruam Jai", and
  2. The Pao Tang wallet application

Information such as the date, time, and location for the vaccination will be announced once registration is complete.

COVID-19 vaccine registration for expats and their family members (except children)

Between June 1 - 7, expats, and foreigners who had diplomatic status were eligible to receive their first shots at MedPark Hospital or Vimut Hospital in Bangkok. Following the start of the national vaccination program, the Public Health Ministry launched its updated version of the Thailandintervac website, where 60+ years old, and expats living with any underlying diseases could register to receive their first jab. However, in recent days, it has received a few setbacks. For expats that want a vaccine jab, the most reliable option is to contact your local hospital and speak to a health professional who can guide you through the next steps for registration.

For expats living in other major cities and provinces like Phuket and Chiang Mai, see the links below:

Thailand’s COVID-19 tracker

According to the Reuters COVID-19 tracker for Thailand, there have been 195,909 infections and 1,449 coronavirus-related deaths reported in the country since the pandemic began. Follow the tracker to see the progress of Thailand’s vaccination program and more.

How is Thailand’s vaccination program progressing?

The national vaccination program which began on June 7 went off to a great start but sudden supply issues have been dampening the efforts to stem the third wave. 

So far: 

  • 416,847 doses were administered on June 7; 
  • 472,128 doses on June 8; 
  • 36,674 doses on June 9; 
  • 223,315 doses on June 10; and 
  • 308,012 doses on June 11. 

The total, as of writing, stands at 1,865,180 doses of both the Sinovac and AstraZeneca administered. When back-tracked to when the first dose was administered on February 28, 2021, the total number of doses administered equates to 6,081, 242, which represents 6.08% of the total (100 million) targeted for by the end of 2021. Thailand has a long way to go but with loose ends tied and issues surrounding the supply of adequate vaccines resolved over time, the rate of inoculation will certainly increase to achieve the target.

Upcoming developments in Thailand 

With the vaccination program progressing steadily to establish herd immunity, expats and local Thais can now begin thinking about the future. For those who have received their first jab, there is confirmation that Thailand will receive other vaccines to boost availability in the near future. These include Sinopharm, Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson amongst others. These will help increase the choice of vaccines available for people to receive a booster later in the year or at the beginning of 2022.

The ‘Phuket Sandbox’ scheme

In other news, Thailand will go ahead with the pilot scheme to reopen to vaccinated foreign visitors and expats from other countries. The government’s economic task force successfully approved the scheme to help revive the country’s battered tourism industry. Phuket, a province in Thailand, is progressing well to inoculate 70% of its local population before July 1, 2021. The island of Phuket has eased many restrictions in recent weeks, with few daily local infections recorded.

No requirements to quarantine if fully vaccinated

There will be no quarantine for foreign visitors under the Phuket Sandbox scheme to attract interest from abroad as their two-week confinement to the island will be sufficient. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is involved in reviewing the scheme and hopes the extensive steps it and officials in Phuket are taking will help improve Phuket’s reputation and emphasize safety in the build-up to the high season.

Note: Travelers are advised to secure health insurance and/or travel insurance before planning a trip to Phuket on or after July 1. Contact a reputable broker like Pacific Prime Thailand for insurance plans that meet your needs and budget.

For further reading: 

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5 FAQs for expats planning to get vaccinated in Thailand

At Pacific Prime Thailand, our advisors have been inundated with various questions from clients in Thailand and prospective clients that are concerned about their registration for the COVID-19 vaccine and existing health insurance cover. Below are a few top trending questions our advisors get asked daily.

1. Is the COVID-19 vaccine available to expats?

Yes. If you are living and working in Thailand, you will be able to sign up for free inoculations in person at designated hospitals using your social security number and/or passport details.

2. Is the vaccine available from private facilities/hospitals?

Yes. Several private hospitals have opted to participate in the national vaccination program. But the option to walk-in for the vaccine is not currently available, as you are expected to register for a date and time to inoculate.

3. Would my health insurance plan cover COVID-19 vaccine complications (e.g. allergic reaction)?

Yes, you would be covered under your standard inpatient or outpatient benefits in most cases, as agreed in the policy secured. However, it is your responsibility to always remember to check your terms and conditions, as well as refer to the policy FAQs. 

4. Would my insurance plan cover privately administered COVID-19 vaccines? If so, when can I get it? 

This depends on your insurer in Thailand. Generally, in most countries, residents can get the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge at government facilities, hence why insurers may not cover it. Since the Thai government is offering free inoculations to everyone, insurers may not cover for COVID-19 vaccination but may cover if it is medically necessary at the time. To get more clarity, you are encouraged to speak to your insurer or contact us to speak to an advisor at Pacific Prime Thailand for further details.

5. What can I do to protect myself from COVID-19?  

Pacific Prime Thailand advises everyone to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 

Additionally, you are advised to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Clean your hands well before you do or get a clean tissue to wipe over the area concerned. Given the latest wave, you are encouraged to remain at home, if possible, and avoid close contact with sick people. If you do need to go out, wear a suitable protective face mask and avoid visiting crowded places. See the World Health Organization’s advice for the public for more information and guidance.

Further reading: 

Get help and support from Pacific Prime Thailand

At Pacific Prime Thailand, our team of advisors continues to monitor the current COVID-19 situation and are on hand to provide impartial advice across different health insurance plans from reputable local and global insurers.

With over 20 years of providing excellence in this sector, our experts can help simplify the process of searching for a suitable plan, as well as tailoring the plan to suit your exact needs and budget.

Do you need expat health insurance for Thailand today? Contact us and ask for a free quote!

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