Imposing restrictions upon unvaccinated people looks set to become an issue of debate and it's one worth careful consideration.
Public Health permanent secretary Kiatiphum Wongrajit recently revealed that the Centre for the Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) is mulling a rule requiring people to show proof they have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine to be allowed to attend activities in public places.
If enacted, such a measure will certainly stoke controversy.
There will be people who argue that such a restriction will be a violation of their rights. After all, Covid-19 vaccination is not mandatory and there is no legal basis, yet, that may prevent unvaccinated people from going somewhere or attending events and activities. There will also be those who say that they could not have access to a vaccine, or that they prefer a type yet not available in the country.
These are a few reasons why the authorities should take the time to consider the issue and plan well before rolling out any restrictions.
Despite a bumpy start in getting the country vaccinated, the Public Health Ministry has recovered well and sped up inoculation efforts over the past few months.
The number of people who have been fully vaccinated is now more than 50% of the population. According to the ministry, more than 85 million doses have been administered but about 10 million people have yet to receive a dose. The ministry is again planning to ramp up inoculations to achieve its target of administering 100 million doses by the end of the month.
The ministry did not classify the reason why the 10 million people remain unvaccinated. Are they anti-vaccination, unable to access the vaccine, or hindered by certain concerns that have kept them from receiving a vaccine? We don't know.
While restrictions against the unvaccinated will probably be a reality faced at some certain point in time, the authorities should make sure that they have done everything they can to make vaccines available to everyone.
For those still waiting for their preferred vaccines, the authorities should persuade them not to wait and to instead get what is available. Those who are still concerned about side effects should receive clear information about the risks and benefits.
Only after the authorities have done all that they can in getting people vaccinated, then a rule restricting people who have not received the first dose from certain services and activities should be enacted. The restriction may appear harsh but it's one that people will most probably have to accept.
The reality as it now appears, as long as Covid-19 remains a threat, unvaccinated people will become increasingly isolated. In Austria, for example, unvaccinated people have been placed in a partial lockdown where they can only leave home for work, shopping or emergencies.
Here in Thailand, some organisations and workplaces have come up with their own restrictions against unvaccinated people. This, however, could lead to unnecessary discrimination.
For any potential policy to best achieve intended results, the CCSA should draft clear guidelines on what can or cannot be done and give people ample time and means to comply if they want to.
With a clear plan and good communication, the goal of getting most people vaccinated and protecting Thais from Covid-19 means they can return to a normal life, sooner rather than later.