The government vows to distribute 124 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to people within this year, including those in Rayong and Chon Buri which are slated to reopen to foreign visitors.
The pledge was made yesterday by Deputy Public Minister Sathit Pitutecha as Thailand is just over a month away from a controversial 120-day deadline to reopen, set by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on June 16.
Rayong and Chon Buri are not only well known for resort beaches, but the two provinces, together with Chachoengsao, form the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), Thailand's high-tech industrial hub.
"Rayong and Chon Buri will be among the provinces to reopen, based on the Phuket sandbox, in order to relax business restriction measures and boost the economy," said Mr Sathit.
The government has so far administered more than 1.1 million doses of vaccines to people in Chon Buri, 359,080 doses in Rayong and 522,560 doses in Chachoengsao.
It also plans to give booster jabs to people who already received two doses of Chinese-made Sinovac vaccines countrywide next month.
Mr Sathit said if the government's mass inoculation schemes go as planned and there is no outbreak caused by a new virus variant, Thailand can reopen its borders.
The reopening plan is expected to be a new economic driver in addition to growing exports.
Mr Sathit earlier told a parliamentary meeting he was confident the government can bring the pandemic under control.
He remained firm on the target to vaccinate at least 70% of Thais within this year to contain the outbreak.
The minister said the government has also prepared healthcare facilities to serve investors and workers in the EEC.
State hospitals and medical services will be upgraded to treat illnesses, including those caused by new emerging diseases.
Mr Sathit said the government wants to develop Pluak Daeng hospital in Rayong and turn it into a centre for toxicoloy, heart disease and geriatric medicine.
He said the government is also in talks with companies which are interested in venturing into healthcare businesses in the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation in Rayong's Wang Chan district.
