OPINION

Dangerous situation

Re: "Ministry insists all medics will get Pfizer", (BP, Aug 3).

Even though I agree with the Ministry of Public Health -- that medical health workers, rescuers and undertakers should all get the Pfizer vaccine recently donated by the US -- I think we Thais want to see the government work harder in its acquisition and administration of the vaccines, so that the majority of Thais and expats living in the country are vaccinated as soon as possible. As it is now, the number of vaccinated people in our country is too low and moving at a snail's pace.

The Prayut government should realise that unvaccinated people are potential Delta-variant spreaders. Hence, our country is in an extremely dangerous situation right now.

Re: "US 'here for Thais in time of need'", (BP, July 30).

It's all well and good for the US Chargé d'Affaires, Michael Heath, to proclaim that the US is "here for Thais in time of need". But what about supporting the thousands of American citizens residing in Thailand that are still not vaccinated in their time of need?

Everyone in America, residing legally or illegally, or even just visiting the country, can easily avail of their choice of vaccines provided free of charge, paid for by American taxpayers. Yet, tax-paying Americans living in Thailand have not been provided immunisations by the American government. Mr Heath, what about supporting American citizens in their "time of need" as the Chinese and French governments have done for their nationals residing in the kingdom?

Re: "The importance of testing", (Life, July 26).

Recently I went to my pharmacy to purchase a Covid-19 Antigen rapid test. I asked for two kits and was given two clear plastic zip top bags each with a sealed kit, sealed swab, solution tube and drip attachment. I was charged 400 baht for each. When I arrived home, I realised there were no instructions enclosed so I searched the manufacturer and found, to my amazement, that this kit normally came packed in a small cardboard box containing two complete sets. It would appear the pharmacy was buying the kits as packaged, opening them, and repackaging them as individual units. This increases the chance of cross contamination from handling and allows them to sell the kits at a ridiculously high price.

If this is common practice it places the kit out of the reach of many. Like failing to price control the green chiretta herb this opens the door to price gouging.

I appreciate the Post coverage and articles on the Tokyo 2020-21 Olympics which at one time I had hoped to attend, because I had attended the 1964 Olympics there. What a great spectacle!! I saw most of the track and field events and the swimming indoor events as well.

These Olympics have been a disaster. I see two participants are being disqualified for having gone sightseeing. There were things to do both before and after the individuals participation in their events. I know these are trying times but the Japanese Olympic Committee could have made guides and events for athletes, particularly those who have completed their event. What a dreadful disappointment this Olympics have been.