Thailand to get Covid-19 foreign aid from China and Korea

While a government spokesperson announced that Thailand expects to have 140 million Covid-19 vaccines received in the country by the end of the year, many wondered with the slow rollout so far exactly where all these vaccines are coming from. Today we received a hint as foreign aid was offer by both China and South Korea who announced donations of vaccines and medical supplies to help Thailand fight its pressing Covid-19 pandemic.

South Korea is said to be planning to provide vaccines at the end of September to Thailand according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong visited Thailand between August 26 and August 28, and during his first visit as a new Foreign Minister, he met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Don Pramudwinai.

In their meeting, the two Foreign Ministers discussed a Covid-19 partnership with South Korea supplying Thailand with vaccines when they finish fully vaccinating 70% of their population. South Korea expects to hit this target by the end of September.

Meanwhile, the Chinese government vowed to donate about 50 million baht worth of medical supplies to Thailand to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. The supplies include fingertip pulse oximeters and oxygen concentrators, along with various other equipment.

The announcement was made yesterday by the Chinese Embassy and shared in a Facebook post. The post declared that the Chinese government wants to show its goodwill for the people of Thailand and strengthen friendly foreign relations between China and Thailand, and vowed to stand with Thailand in defeating Covid-19.

The sentiment was reiterated by China’s ambassador to Thailand who focused on the importance of cooperation for countries in the battle against Covid-19. He said the pandemic can be overcome soon if people across every sector of business and life all work together.

In that respect, he likened Covid-19 efforts to China and Thailand fighting shoulder to shoulder (though shouldn’t they be socially distanced?) and said that the two countries have strengthened their foreign relations during the Covid-19 pandemic with bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

SOURCE: National News Bureau of Thailand, 2