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Thai citizens with ID cards are being turned away from Covid-19 vaccination centers despite the government encouraging those in at-risk areas to “walk-in” and get immunized.
The third wave of the pandemic is continuing unchecked in Thailand with over 70,000 new Covid-19 cases since the wave began on April 1.
Attempts by the government to lockdown and immunize local populations have done little to contain the rate of infection. In response, the Bangkok Governor’s Office and the Centre for Covid Situation Administration have opened walk-in vaccination centers for areas that have seen a high rate of infection.
Yet confusing protocol and rigid bureaucracy have seen many Thais turned away from walk-in vaccination centers due to lack of registration.
“I brought my ID card and I am a Thai citizen, yet they wouldn’t let me take the vaccine,” said Supasorn Ponluk.
Supasorn said it was important that he receive the vaccine as he was a Grab Driver and saw a lot of people on a daily basis as part of his job.
“They said I had to register on the application before I can walk in but that is not what they said on television. It’s all very confusing.”
Parinya Laohatilanonda, a public health official at the Nonthaburi Municipal Office, criticized the confusion and said it should not even matter if the walk-ins were citizens or not.
“If they are in an at-risk area they should be vaccinated. It doesn’t matter if they’re Thai or foreign, registered or unregistered. A vaccinated person reduces the strain on the public health system. That is what is most important,” she said.
It is unclear what requirements there are for walk-in vaccinations and calls made to the Bangkok Governor’s office to clarify the situation by Thai Enquirer were not immediately returned.