The NHRCT is deeply concerned with the current situation of new wave of COVID-19 pandemic in the country with a large number of confirmed positive cases and deaths, particularly its impacts on the right of people to access effective, inclusive and free public health services according to the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand 2017, Articles 47 and 55, and in accordance with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
          The NHRCT has continuously monitored the impacts of the new wave of COVID-19 pandemic and acknowledges that the government has made great efforts to redress the situation in the aspect of treatment and prevention of the disease. Considering the guidelines related to human rights approach of vaccine access, allocation and prioritization made by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the NHRCT; therefore, would like to have recommendations to the government, relevant agencies and people during the pandemic situation as follows:
          1. The government: Relevant government agencies should strengthen co-ordination with the private sector and the media to disseminate information to gain a correct understanding of the COVID-19 vaccine, such as the necessity and benefit of vaccination, type of vaccines, and possible side effects. In addition, relevant government agencies should take precautions against confusion and panic caused by misinformation. The government should also speedily secure more vaccines and deliver them to all groups of people in all areas without neglecting vulnerable groups who may have obstacles to get access to vaccination, such as inmates, non-Thai citizens residing in Thailand and the poor.
          2. Public: People should cooperate to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity which will provide indirect protection to those who are not immune to the disease and overcome the pandemic crisis. In this regard, the NHRCT would like to express our trust in the health system of the country.
          3. Responses to limit the human and economic impact: The government should provide assistance to people affected by the pandemic considering their right to an adequate standard of living requires. Among others, they include displaced workers, unemployed people, people who cannot work in the same occupation, the poor and  people who don't or have restricted access to reach information and communication technology to get the government remedial measures.
          In this regard, the NHRCT would like to appreciate all sectors, especially medical and public health personnel, who have devoted themselves to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19. Also, we wish all of us to be strong and able to overcome this crisis together by leaving no one behind.
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12/05/2021