The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has demanded that the government improve its communication with the public regarding the Covid-19 inoculation programme, following Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's decision to put the brakes on walk-in vaccination services.
The decision, which is aimed to prevent people flocking to inoculation sites and becoming upset if they fail to secure a jab, came after an announcement of blanket vaccinations last Friday that included walk-in services.
Amid the pandemic, messages delivered to people are extremely important, FTI chairman Supant Mongkolsuthree said on Wednesday.
"People can get confused about the government's policy," he said, adding if people do not trust the state vaccination programme, they will be reluctant to get vaccinated.
The state's ongoing attempts to speed up the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines to 50 million people this year is crucial but communication with society is also a key to success.
"The government must give the right message to people and speed up vaccination at the same time under its plan to reopen the country in the fourth quarter," said Mr Supant.
Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president at the Association of Thai Travel Agents, said tourism confidence has deteriorated since the fresh outbreak ravaged the country last month and there is still no sign of improvement as the number of new cases is soaring beyond 1,500 everyday.
The disruption of walk-in vaccinations on Tuesday created more uncertainty regarding the tourism situation as other countries are watching the inoculation progress in Thailand before they make a decision to allow or restrict travel to and from Thailand when borders reopen.
He said the vaccination programme is the only remaining hope for tourism operators. If the country cannot curb the infection rate and fails to create herd immunity as soon as possible, it will be too difficult for the tourism industry to recover this year.
"The government already made a mistake once by allowing people to travel during Songkran which brought the number of cases to its peak. Moreover, insufficient vaccination management may create more risk for economic stability," Mr Sisdivachr said.
He added that not only will foreign travellers opt for other destinations as a result but that the slow immunisation pace will also impact domestic consumption as local tourists refrain from taking trips because of virus fears.
Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), said he agreed with the premier's idea to put the brakes on walk-in services for Covid-19 vaccinations.
However, he has agreed to walk-in services for people who cannot access the internet and Mor Prom app.
"The private sector and the government are preparing another step to help people who can't access the Mor Prom application. The process should not be complicated in order to accommodate seniors who are without other people who can help them register."
According to Mr Sanan, through cooperation with the TCC, there are four inoculation sites that are already open for service and they are Central Ladprao, Samyan Mitrtown, the Mall Bangkapi and Big C Bangbon.
By the first week of June, 25 sites will simultaneously open for vaccinations, he said.
In addition, Mr Sanan said the TCC is also conducting a campaign to encourage people in all 77 provinces to get inoculated and is looking for local influencers to help educate people about the benefits of the jabs.
