WITH the roll out of coronavirus vaccination simultaneously nationwide today (July 7) Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha apologised to the people for having caused dissatisfaction while pointing out that he is doing the best he can for the Thai people, Siam Rath newspaper and Sanook.com said.
Speaking during a visit to Bang Sue Central Station, Gen Prayut also mentioned that working things out for a lot of people is definitely problematic but he could not deny responsibility.
He pointed out the government is doing its best in the current situation of the country and the global vaccine status with violence also breaking out nearby.
He urged reporters not to ask any questions because it tends to lead to another problem with people making different interpretations.
However the Prime Minister pointed out that a lot of vaccines are now available, totalling 3.5 million doses of AstraZeneca and Sinovac, with distribution to be made on a weekly basis.
Among those to be first vaccinated are 5,000 teachers nationwide to get ready for school reopening next Monday.
He was happy that a lot of people are getting vaccinated at Bang Sue Central Station because it is the largest and most modern railway station in Asean region and is an opportunity for them to get to know it better.
Despite vaccination kicking off nationwide today many hospitals announced postponement due to inadequate supply of vaccines in the initial stage.
Among them are Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University that said those scheduled to receive their first Covid jab by having registered via Mor Phrom and Thai Ruam Jai app and website, as well as those called in to receive their second jab, would be able to do so during June 7-11. Those who have an appointment from June 12 onwards were alerted to stay tuned for possible announcement should there be any changes.
At the same time Ramkhamhaeng Hospital said that it only has enough AstraZeneca doses for those who have been confirmed to be vaccinated on June 7-8.
Thammasat University, Rangsit campus, too said that it was allocated 2,000 doses of vaccines per day for 11 days till June 18.
Meanwhile the Public Health Ministry said this morning that there were 2,419 new coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours and 33 more fatalities which raised the death toll since the start of the pandemic to 1,269 and in the current wave that started on April 1 to 1,175.
The cumulative confirmed total since the start of the pandemic has climbed to 182,886 and in the current wave 151,023.
Of the new batch of cases 2,328 were among the general public and 91 in prisons and detention centres.
Another 2,999 patients have been cured, taking total recoveries to 129,516 while 49,101 are still under treatment with 1,233 in serious condition and 355 requiring ventilators.
Top: Prime Minister Prayut talks to the press at Bang Sue Central Station this morning. Photo: Siam Rath
Home Page: A Thai getting a Covid jab. Photo: Siam Rath
