With the large influx of foreign tourists arriving in Bangkok, the Health Ministry yesterday unveiled plans to establish at least one COVID vaccination center in every province. Foreign nationals who are just visiting, must pay for the jab, however.
In Bangkok alone, the centers include the Bangrak Vaccination and Health Center (near BTS Saint Louis), Institute of Dermatology, Lerdsin Hospital, and Institute for Urban Disease Control and Prevention (near BTS Wat Phra Si Mahathat).
Shots had been offered at the CentralwOrld shopping mall until today.
Opas Karnkawinpong of the Health Ministry said Thailand aims to be a “medical hub” for foreigners by providing COVID-19 vaccines.
Tourists must pay THB800 for a dose of AstraZeneca while Pfizer is THB1,000. There;s an additional medical service fee of THB380.
Expats or longtime non-Thai residents get it all for free.
The plan was meant to address concerns after China lifted travel restrictions earlier this month, resulting in thousands of Chinese arrivals, especially for Chinese New Year. In January alone, about 50,000 are expected to arrive in Thailand, according to Yuthasak Supasorn of the tourism authority.
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