Between April 5th and December 26th, Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO) paid out about 927 million baht in financial aid to 8,470 people who suffered undesirable side effects after being inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines.
According to Atthaporn Limpanyalert, NHSO deputy secretary-general, 11,707 people have filed claims for financial support after COVID-19 vaccinations, but only 8,470, or 72.39%, have met the criteria for compensation.
Of the 1,752 cases which failed to meet the requirements, 615 have appealed and 1,485 cases are under consideration.
Of the approved cases, to whom financial compensation payments have been made, 1,962 suffered death or disability,while the remainder suffered less severe side effects.
In case of death or permanent disability, each family will receive 400,000 baht. 240,000 baht is paid for those who losea limb or sustain a disability which affects their livelihood and 100,000 baht is paid to those who suffer a chronic illness.
Atthaporn explained that anyone who suffers undesirable side effects after vaccination can file claim for initial financial aid without having to wait for confirmation that the effects are caused by vaccination.
Even if it is later proved that the side effects were not caused by vaccinations, he said that the NHSO would not demand a refund from the claimants.
There are 13 panels across the country, which meet every week to consider claims for financial aid. Payments will be disbursed within five days of the panels approving the claims.
For rejected claims, the claimants can appeal to the NHSO secretary-general within 30 days. – Thai PBS
