The thin line between confusion and confidence

With the mass vaccination programme against Covid-19 to be rolled out soon, confusion is rising among Thais as a deadly third wave spreads across the country.

Government and medical officials are trying to boost public confidence in the vaccines while encouraging people to prioritise getting the shot, explaining that the vaccine is one of the best shields against the life-threatening virus. The best vaccines, they say, are those that get in the body the fastest.

Still, confusion is the order of the day as Thailand’s vaccine saga remains shrouded by uncertainty. Policies change abruptly and frequently, creating fear and headaches among the public.

What we know is that all Thais in priority groups, especially those aged 60 years and above — around 11.7 million people — and approximately 4.5 million Thais with underlying diseases can book their first…