The National Communicable Disease Committee has approved the Phuket Sandbox plan, allowing tourists to enter without quarantine. They have also requested the Department of Disease Control and the Department of Medical Services to prepare a management plan for those who booked vaccinations through the 'Mor Prom' system in Bangkok, in case there are any notifications of vaccine appointment delays.

 

             

               Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul, as the chair of the National Communicable Disease Committee, announced after today's meeting that there has been progress in vaccination efforts and the Phuket Sandbox initiative. Phuket has vaccinated over 330,000 residents, or 60% of the population, which has helped reduce illness and death rates, allowing the province to welcome tourists back to Thailand.

           For tourists entering Thailand, the focus will be on those from low to medium-risk countries or those who have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior and possess vaccination certificates. Children traveling with parents can also enter, but they must undergo a COVID test no less than 72 hours before arriving in Thailand.

They must also undergo COVID testing in Thailand on the 7th and 14th days and self-isolate in Phuket for 14 days before traveling to other provinces. It is expected that the opening for tourists will commence on July 1, pending approval from the CCSA.

          Additionally, the meeting approved that healthcare facilities can administer vaccines under the provincial or Bangkok communicable disease committees, with the Ministry of Public Health responsible for distributing vaccines as determined by the CCSA.

          The meeting acknowledged the guidelines for administering the AstraZeneca vaccine in Thailand, which specifies a 10-12 week interval between the first and second doses. Whether this will be extended to 16 weeks will be determined by the Department of Disease Control for each area. The meeting also approved the enforcement of the Communicable Disease Act regarding fines for not wearing masks, with penalties ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 baht.

          The Ministry of Public Health will assist Bangkok in vaccinating the elderly population aged 60 and above and individuals with seven underlying health conditions who have registered through the Mor Prom system. Currently, there are 140,000 registered individuals in Bangkok, and discussions have already taken place with the Department of Disease Control to ensure this group continues to receive vaccinations.

 

Dr. Somsak Ankasilp, Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, stated that preparations are underway to assist those registered for vaccinations through the Mor Prom system in Bangkok, particularly for those who had their appointments postponed between June 14-21, 2021. They will be able to receive vaccinations at Bang Sue Grand Station starting Thursday, with further details to be provided tomorrow.

As for the overall vaccination progress from June 7-13, 2021, vaccinations have officially commenced nationwide. The latest data shows that 2,087,603 doses have been administered, and since February 28, a total of 6.2 million doses have been given.