Heinecke uneasy about vaccines offered to visitors

A hotel tycoon is disappointed with the government’s tight control over Covid vaccinations, suggesting more tourists coming to Thailand aren’t comfortable visiting public healthcare centres.

William Heinecke, chairman and founder of Minor International Plc, said the government moved quickly in reopening the country, but the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines was disappointing.

He said the government kept tight control over vaccines, with distribution restricted to government centres, rather than being freely available throughout the country.

Some foreign tourists don’t feel comfortable visiting government clinics, preferring private hospitals or clinics, said Mr Heinecke.

The Public Health Ministry started a pilot vaccination project this month for tourists in popular provinces, but it only allows public hospitals and healthcare centres to serve as vaccination…