Seeking the Solution to COVID-19 in Border Areas of Thailand: Experts’ Perspectives

Abstract

This summarized article is taken from information provided during a panel seminar focused on seeking the solution to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) in the border areas of northern Thailand. World-class health professionals and academics who are working in the field were invited to deliver both information and their perspectives on different aspects of the pandemic. The information is divided into three levels, namely, the global situation and challenges, including further recommendations; the local lessons learned in Thailand and further action and collaborations required of society; and the cutting age research developing COVID-19 vaccines and their implementation and practical recommendations. In conclusion, vaccines are just one of the tools that can be used against the disease, and these vaccines need to be considered as a whole picture, including the prioritization of the administration of vaccines under limited supply, the equity of availability to all people in the world, and the negotiation of affordable prices. Moreover, our traditional prevention and control measures, such as social distancing, face-mask use, and maintenance of personal hygiene, are still strictly recommended.