Sathit says reopening by October is ‘practical’

The government’s plan to reopen the country within the next 120 days is practical, insists Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha.

He told a parliamentary meeting yesterday the government aimed to contain Covid-19 by vaccinating at least 70% of Thais in line with its plan to procure 100 million vaccine doses.

The pledge by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to reopen the country in 120 days was a move to boost public morale, Mr Sathit said, adding that an action plan would be drawn up and issued ahead of the reopening.

“I am confident the government and the prime minister will be able to bring the pandemic under control,” he said.

“However, disease control and vaccinations cannot be achieved by the government alone.

“People must also cooperate to prevent new clusters. We need to work together so we can reopen the country within the timeline.”

He said the…