How Covid-19 Might Spread to You

[S Landreth]

Nearly 2,700 new Covid-19 cases and 23 deaths reported

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration on Sunday reported 2,671 new cases and 23 deaths over a 24-hour period.

Of the total, 1,095 were local patients who were admitted to hospitals, 889 were found during proactive testing, 604 were found in prisons.

Bangkok led the list of most cases with 675, followed by Samut Sakhon (288), Phetchaburi (196), Nonthaburi (163), and Samut Prakarn (124).

Of the 83 who had come from abroad, 76 were Thais working in Cambodia who returned illegally via the border and got caught between May 28 and June 3.

In the last 24 hours, 173 people have been caught at the border for illegally entering the country, mostly from Laos (37), Myanmar (35), and Cambodia (26).

Meanwhile, 2,242 patients have recovered and been discharged in the last 24 hours.

As of Sunday, the number of confirmed cases in Thailand had risen to 177,467.

So far, 126,517 have recovered and been discharged, 49,714 patients are still in hospitals (1,209 in serious condition with 389 on ventilators), and 1,236 have died.

According to Worldometer, as of 11am on Sunday, the number of confirmed cases globally had risen to 173.7 million (up by 394,844), 156.59 million of whom have recovered, 13.2 million are active cases (87,585 in severe condition) and 3.7 million have died (up by 9,013).: https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40001725

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Thai woman, WHO representative are first to be inoculated with Thai-made AstraZeneca vaccine

A 69-year-old Thai woman and a representative of World Health Organization (WHO) regional office in Thailand became the first two individuals to receive the doses of the locally-produced AstraZeneca vaccine today, at the vaccination service centre at the Ministry of Public Health.

The event, which comes ahead of the start of the country’s mass vaccination campaign on Monday, was witnessed by Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and senior health officials.

Jurairat Rewong and Dr. Daniel A. Kertesz, of the WHO regional office, were each given 0.5ml of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Jurairat told the media that she was happy to be inoculated with the locally-produced vaccine, saying that she had carefully studied the matter and is confident of its safety and efficacy.

Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Kiatiphum Wongrachit, who administered the vaccine, said he was glad to do the job with the locally-produced vaccine and urged everyone to register for vaccination.

Mass vaccinations will start on Monday in Bangkok and several other provinces, which have received the vaccine from the ministry. The first group to be inoculated are elderly people over 60 and those suffering from any of seven non-communicable underlying diseases.: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-wo...eneca-vaccine/

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Thai government to pay 400,000 baht to family of man who dies after vaccination

The Saraburi-based Zone 4 branch of the Thai National Health Security Office (NHSO) has agreed to pay 469,000 baht initial compensation to eight people who developed undesirable side effects after receiving COVID-19 vaccine jabs, including 400,000 baht to the family of one who died.

The 50-year-old man was inoculated in Pathum Thani province and developed chest pain until his death five days later.

The NHSO’s Saraburi branch office, headed by Dr. Chalor Santiwarangkhana, decided to compensate the victim’s family with 400,000 baht, to be paid five days after the subcommittee of the Saraburi office approved the compensation.

His 27-year-old son told the Thai PBS that he has not received the compensation yet, nor has he been contacted by any state agency, including Ramathibodi Hospital, about the result of the autopsy, conducted to determine the exact cause of his father’s death.

Earlier, he had lodged a complaint with Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, seeking compensation for the death of his father which, he claimed, was linked to his COVID vaccination. His complaint was eventually passed to the NHSO for consideration.

He said that he would petition Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha regarding the compensation, if the payment is not forthcoming soon.

Meanwhile, Dr. Chalor explained that people who develop serious side effects after vaccination can claim compensation immediately, without having to wait for verification from health officials “because this is in accordance with the initial help principle.”

He also said that the compensation payment would not be reclaimed, even if it is proved later that the serious symptoms, including death, were not linked to the vaccination.

Three other vaccine recipients were hospitalized and four developed mild side effects.

The NHSO has set aside about 100 million baht as a compensation fund for people suffering side effects after vaccination. The payments range from 100,000 baht for side effects which prevent recipients from working for a certain period of time, up to 240,000 baht for disability or loss of a limb and up to 400,000 baht in the case of death.

NHSO Secretary-General Dr. Jadej Thammatach-aree said initial compensation will be paid once a doctor rules that the serious side effects are linked to the vaccination, without having to wait for tests to determine the exact cause.: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-go...r-vaccination/

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Covid fear in Bangkok shopping areas

Authorities are warning people to be on their guard against the possible spread of Covid-19 in Bangkok shopping areas from clusters of infected people in neighbouring communities.

Concerns are rising about some of the 52 Covid clusters in the capital that have emerged near shopping centres frequented by thousands of people daily, said Apisamai Srirangson, spokeswoman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)

One such example was the outbreak in the Saphan Hua Chang community on Phetchaburi Soi 18 in Ratchathewi district.

Mass testing at the nearby Siam Square shopping area on May 29 found infections in 54 out of 734 people, for a relatively high positive rate of 7.35%, Dr Apisamai said.

The unregistered Saphan Hua Chang community contains a lot of commercial buildings that have been renovated to create rental rooms occupied mainly by migrant workers.

“As a result, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is conducting surveillance measures at shopping centres in the Ratchaprasong and Pratunam areas,” Dr Apisamai said.

Bang Kapi district is another area of concern, she said. The busy residential and commercial area includes the Kheha Klongchan community, The Mall Bangkapi shopping centre, a Makro store, the Nakhon Thai fresh market and Bang Kapi market.

The CCSA had faced criticism earlier for informing the public about a cluster linked to a shopping area in the Lat Phrao area without specifying which one. It later issued a clarification but public concerns persist.

Ratchathewi and Bang Kapi are among 24 Bangkok districts that have been under maximum surveillance for Covid transmission. The Saphan Hua Chang community is among four clusters in Ratchathewi while another four clusters have been identified in Bang Kapi.

Bangkok reported 824 new Covid cases over the past 24 hours, the highest among all provinces in the national total of 2,631.

Dr Apisamai said the 52 active clusters in Bangkok included two new clusters found over the past 24 hours — a workers’ camp in the compound of the Police Education Bureau in Chatuchak district and the Hua Pa community in Suan Luang district.: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...shopping-areas

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

33 deaths, 2,419 new cases logged in Thailand

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

As many as 33 deaths and 2,419 new Covid-19 cases in Thailand were reported on Monday over a 24-hour period.

Of the total, 1,347 were patients admitted to hospitals, 949 found via proactive testing, 91 inmates tested positive, while 32 were returnees.

Bangkok led the list with 943 cases, followed by Samut Prakan with 321, Phetchaburi with 265 and Trang with 106.

Of the 32 returnees, 31 were Thai nationals, with 28 flying in from Cambodia and one each from Jordan, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates. The 32nd arrival was a Bangladeshi from Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, 2,999 patients have recovered and been discharged in the last 24 hours.

As of Monday, the number of confirmed cases in Thailand had risen to 179,886. So far, 129,516 have recovered and been discharged, 49,101 patients are still in hospitals, and 1,269 have died.

Meanwhile, another 9,754 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, while 17,837 were given their second shot, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccines administered in Thailand to 4,218,094.

According to Worldometer, as of 11am on Monday, the number of confirmed cases globally had risen to 174.04 million (up by 327,663), 157.05 million of whom have recovered, 13.25 million are active cases (87,231 in severe condition) and 3.74 million have died (up by 7,677).: https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40001753

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Medical equipment plant in Ayutthaya closed, 5,000 workers quarantined

The communicable disease committee, in Thailand’s central province of Ayutthaya, has ordered the 7 day closure of a medical equipment production plant in Sena district for major disinfection and cleanup, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

About 5,000 workers at the plant have been placed in quarantine, after 51 were found to be infected, according to Dr. Phira Areerat, the provincial health chief.

Governor Panu Yamsri said that, according to an initial investigation, about 3,400 of some 5,000 workers at the plant are at high risk, because they were in close and regular contact with those already infected.

A field hospital is to be set up in the factory compound to accommodate the infected employees, the number of whom is likely to increase as active screening is under way.

Cumulative infections in the province, since April 1st, have risen to 892, including 490 who have already recovered and 394 still being treated in hospitals. The provincial COVID-19 death toll is 8 in the same period.: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/medical...s-quarantined/

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Loei province postpones vaccination appointments due to vaccine shortage

The Loei provincial administration has decided to postpone vaccination appointments until further notice, as the province is allocated only 600 doses of COVID-19 vaccine per week.

On the Facebook page of the provincial public relations office, Governor Chaithawat Niamsiri said yesterday (Friday) that the government had made adjustments to the distribution of vaccines, giving priority to provinces or areas which are regarded as being at high risk.

Since Loei province is regarded as a low risk area, it has been allocated fewer doses of vaccine, but the government has promised more will be sent periodically, said the governor, assuring that all those who have applied for vaccination will receive vaccine jabs.

For the time being, however, appointments for vaccinations will be postponed until further notice, said the governor.

Only 92 COVID-19 cases have been reported in the province since April 1st. Anyone who has questions can call 042862123 for an explanation.: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/loei-pr...cine-shortage/

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Thailand - Govt hopes to ink big Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson orders

Negotiations are underway to buy 25 million doses of vaccine from Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson to meet the target of administering 100 million shots by the end of the year, according to the government's disease control chief.

Currently, only 61 million doses from AstraZeneca and 6 million from Chinese firm Sinovac have been officially secured.

Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, head of the Department of Disease Control, yesterday told the media that 8 million more doses from Sinovac and the 25 million from Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson will make the 100-million mark achievable.

The government also plans to order an additional 50 million doses for next year as booster shots will likely be required, especially if more new variants emerge, he said.

On June 7, the government will officially kick off its nationwide vaccination programme which it hopes will see 50 million people, or 70% of the population, inoculated by the end of December, despite many hospitals' complaints of scant supplies at present.

Dr Opas said the department will initially allocate supplies on a weekly basis to those areas most in need until shipments begin to arrive more frequently.

Earlier this week, Dr Opas admitted that an early batch of 200,000 doses from AstraZeneca had meant no province had received a delivery of more than 3,600 shots. However, at yesterday's briefing, he said that a further 1.8 million doses from the company had just arrived which would be rushed to areas where there had been a significant shortfall.

In addition, 1.5 million doses of Sinovac's formula will be delivered as mass vaccination begins next week.

Health permanent secretary Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit said allocations to each province would be fair and transparent, but amounts may also be governed by the severity of outbreaks as well as the need to ensure tourist spots in particular are safe ahead of their reopening.

"Every province will have a supply of vaccines and mass inoculations will start Monday," he said. "Nothing has changed, there will be no delay.": https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...johnson-orders

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Thailand - Half a million doses of Sinovac vaccine donated by China arrive

The lot consists of 500,000 doses of vaccine, taking the total doses donated to 1 million.

On Wednesday, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said that the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) would import 11 million Sinovac doses from June. This plan was to complement the government’s plan to procure at least 100 million vaccine doses for Thai citizens.

The World Health Organisation recently approved Sinovac on June 1 for emergency use. Vaccines from Pfizer and partner BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson and Moderna have also been cleared by the WHO for emergency use.: https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40001700

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

NHSO pays THB400,000 compensation in three cases of deaths after vaccination

More than 260 people have sought compensation, and 162 were approved for serious side-effects attributed to vaccination, Dr Jadej Thammatach-aree, secretary-general of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), revealed.

From June 7, Thailand will embark on a mass vaccination campaign against Covid-19 across the country with a goal of covering 50 million people or 70 per cent of the total population.

The authorities have braced for the possibility of some people having adverse reactions after vaccination.

The government has a policy to make preliminary aid payments to such groups to ensure that people are taken care of.

Dr Jadej said that the NHSO needed to explain to the people that in case of suspected adverse effect or death from the vaccine, people can apply for preliminary aid.

Recently, six cases of deaths were filed across the country. In one case submitted to the Bangkok subcommittee, the experts ruled that the death was not related to the vaccination against Covid-19.

Compensation of THB400,000 was approved by the NHSO in three cases of deaths linked to vaccination.

One of the victims, Somchai Muangwang, 50, received the Covid-19 vaccine in Pathum Thani province. The subcommittee said his heart had been damaged. It was a symptom that occurred after vaccination, as he had tightness of the chest, and died five days after inoculation. The victim was the head of a family, the caregiver of his parents, and the main income earner of the family. NHSO transferred the money to his son's account on June 4.

Udon Yenjit, village headman of Huai Ma subdistrict in Muang Phrae district, received the Covid-19 vaccination on May 17. On the night of May 18, he had an emergency illness and was taken to Phrae Hospital and later died.

The wife of the deceased said that after vaccinating against Covid-19, her husband continued to work normally. On the day of the incident, her husband went to bed at around 3pm and had trouble breathing. He was swiftly sent to the hospital where he died.

According to treatment history, it was found that the deceased had Thyrotoxicosis, which was identified as the primary cause of death (acute heart failure). However, the family of the deceased received THB400,000 compensation as the committee considered it an adverse event that occurred due to the Covid-19 vaccination.

In the third case, the deceased (name withheld) received the first vaccine dose on May 14, and there were no abnormal symptoms during the first 30 minutes. Two days later, on May 16, there was slight muscle soreness. Three days later, on May 19, he lost consciousness so he was admitted to Sikarin Hospital, Hat Yai, in Songkhla province. On May 22, he started having headaches, fatigue and loss of consciousness and passed away on May 27.

This case is considered an adverse reaction to the Covid-19 vaccination. Although it is not conclusively related to vaccination, the NHSO took a lenient view to alleviate the family's suffering as the deceased was the pillar of the family. The subcommittee, therefore, resolved to pay THB400,000.: https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40001729

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Tambon hit by 'endless' lockdown

Koh Sathon is a tambon desperately in need of further relief after a month ago going on record as the first location in the country where the Beta (South Africa) variant of Covid-19 was detected.

Authorities were jolted into action when the strain was discovered there, responding with an immediate lockdown of at-risk communities that included Koh Sathon in Tak Bai district of Narathiwat.

However, residents did not expect the measure would leave them hungry and in total isolation for weeks.

Before the Beta-variant finding, Koh Sathon had already been hit with three crippling lockdowns; however, this latest round of measures is by far the most drastic.

What were initially murmurs of complaint among residents have turned to outright resentment as vital supplies have become harder and harder to come by.

They have complained about their desperate situation to local authorities and even solicited food donations. However, locals maintain there is still far from enough food to go round.

Baby formula is also in short supply while adults have had to skip lunch and boil porridge for their meals to make household stocks of rice last.

Mother of six Lalana Sumae said she and other residents are in dire straits with many no longer having an income to rely on after business cutbacks and closures.

Traders are barred from entering the tambon to sell rice and other foods.

Traditionally, many Koh Sathon residents farm rice and sell their labour outside the tambon. The lockdown has ground all economic activity to a halt.

Paddy rice cannot be de-husked at the moment because millers are prevented from entering the villages because of the lockdown.

"If we were able to sell our rice even in meagre amounts, we would have some money to buy food or even nappies for little ones. Now, we have nothing," Ms Lalana said.

"I can't imagine how much more we will suffer if this lockdown doesn't end soon," she added.

With the youngest of her children being only two years old, hers is one of the worst-hit families in Koh Sathon.

Her family has received two rounds of food donations from local authorities so far.

The first donation consisted of 14 cans of fish, 10kg of rice, 10 packs of instant noodles, 1kg of cooking oil, 2kg of sugar and one bottle of fish sauce.

For the second donation, she was given 1kg of sugar, 1kg of cooking oil, five cans of fish and 5kg of rice.

As she has many mouths to feed, the supplies ran out quickly. Her family has resorted to cooking boiled rice to make what little they have left last as long as possible.

"We only eat breakfast and dinner now; no lunch. I don't know what else to do," Ms Lalana said.

"My youngest is hungry and cries himself to sleep every night," she added.

Ms Lalana said she hasn't paid her electricity bill for the last two months as she struggles even to put food on the table. "I'm down to my last 10 baht," she said.

Only the sick can leave Koh Sathon. Residents can order essential items from outside to be delivered. However, shopping is out of the question when many are penniless and destitute. It is not known how much longer authorities intend keeping the lockdown in place.

Yaena Lalaemae, a women and children's rights activist, said the lockdown has seen desperation levels soar as people have been forced to live from hand to mouth.

According to Ms Yaena, only half the area's nine villages and 2200 families have received any relief at all, and there are also 300 families living in unregistered homes which may be hindering their efforts to secure assistance.

She said some had asked the military and MPs in their constituencies for assistance only to be told that supplies were limited.

The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) is among those to have recognised their plight and has donated food to the residents of Koh Sathon via Ms Yaena.

Kanokrat Kuejij, assistant secretary-general of the SBPAC, said the centre was aware of the plight of residents and has given donations over the past four days.: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...dless-lockdown

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

35,000 AstraZeneca bottles sent to Bangkok hospitals, as vaccination push begins on Monday

The Ministry of Public Health has distributed 35,000 bottles of the AstraZeneca vaccine to 148 hospitals in Bangkok to prepare for Covid-19 vaccination, Satit Pitutecha, Deputy Minister of Public Health said.

He said the vaccination drive would be launched as scheduled on June 7 since the vaccines had already been distributed.

Satit's confirmation eases worries after there was confusion last week when many hospitals, especially private hospitals in many provinces assigned as vaccination units, called for cancellation of vaccination appointments for those registered under MohPrompt, saying vaccines had not been delivered to them.

The ministry has delivered 30 bottles to Bang Khun Thian 1 Hospital 1; 170 bottles to Bang Pakok 9 International Hospital; 100 bottles to Bangmod Hospital; 210 bottles to Kasemrad Hospital Bang Khae; 890 bottles to Bangpakok 8 Hospital; 500 bottles to Phyathai 3 Hospital; 420 bottles to Rajapipat Hospital; 1,030 bottles to Central Hospital; 650 bottles to Taksin Hospital; 290 bottles to Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital; 300 bottles Sirindhorn Hospital, among others.

Vaccination will be given to those registered with MohPrompt from June 7-13.: https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40001722

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

• Obesity may increase risk of long-term complications of COVID-19, study shows

A Cleveland Clinic study shows that survivors of COVID-19 who have moderate or severe obesity may have a greater risk of experiencing long-term consequences of the disease, compared with patients who do not have obesity. The study was recently published online in the journal of Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.

Multiple studies have identified obesity as a risk factor for developing a severe form of COVID-19 that may require hospital admission, intensive care, and ventilator support in the early phase of the disease. Obesity, which is a complex disease caused by multiple factors, is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, blood clots and lung conditions. In addition, obesity weakens the immune system and creates a chronic inflammatory state. Those conditions can lead to poor outcomes after an infection with SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19.

"To our knowledge, this current study for the first time suggests that patients with moderate to severe obesity are at a greater risk of developing long-term complications of COVID-19 beyond the acute phase," said Ali Aminian, M.D., director of Cleveland Clinic's Bariatric & Metabolic Institute and principal investigator of the research.

In this observational study, researchers used a registry of patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection within the Cleveland Clinic health system in a five-month period from March 2020 to July 2020, with follow-up until January 2021.

Researchers examined three indicators of possible long-term complications of COVID-19 -- hospital admission, mortality, and need for diagnostic medical tests -- that occurred 30 days or later following the first positive viral test for SARS-CoV-2. The outcomes were compared among five groups of patients based on their body mass index (BMI): 18.5-24.9 (normal), 25-29.9 (overweight), 30-34.9 (mild obesity), 35-39.9 (moderate obesity), and 40 or greater (severe obesity). Obesity is a disease classified as having a BMI of 30 or greater.

A total of 2,839 patients who did not require ICU admission and survived the acute phase of COVID-19 were included in the final results of this study. The normal BMI group was considered as a reference.

The study found that a health condition called post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) is an extremely common problem in COVID-19 survivors. Specifically, during a 10-month follow-up after the acute phase of COVID-19, 44% of the study participants had required hospital admission and 1% died. Furthermore, results show that compared with patients with normal BMI, the risk of hospital admission was 28% and 30% higher in patients with moderate and severe obesity, respectively. The need for diagnostic tests to assess different medical problems, compared with patients with normal BMI, was 25% and 39% higher in patients with moderate and severe obesity, respectively.

More specifically, the need for diagnostic tests to assess cardiac, pulmonary, vascular, renal, gastrointestinal, and mental health problems was significantly higher in patients with a BMI of 35 or greater, compared with normal BMI patients.

"The observations of this study can possibly be explained by the underlying mechanisms at work in patients who have obesity, such as hyper-inflammation, immune dysfunction, and comorbidities," said Bartolome Burguera, M.D, Ph.D., chair of Cleveland Clinic's Endocrinology & Metabolism Institute and co-investigator of the study. "Those conditions can lead to poor outcomes in the acute phase of COVID-19 in patients with obesity and could possibly lead to an increased risk of long-term complications of COVID-19 in this patient population."

Future studies are planned to confirm findings of this study that obesity is a major risk factor for the development of PASC and determine the long-term and rigorous follow-up that patients with obesity need after a SARS-CoV-2 infection.: https://www.sciencedaily.com/release...0603171255.htm

• Coronavirus Cases: 174,382,022

Deaths: 3,752,212

Under reported US death count: 612,701

American Civil War Casualties (North and South) - 214,938

it's been blown way out of proportion.

[S Landreth]

Virus claims 28, infects 2,662 over past 24 hours in Thailand

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

Thailand’s Covid-19 caseload came in at 28 deaths and 2,662 new confirmed cases over a 24-hour period on Tuesday.

Of the confirmed cases, 1,495 were patients admitted to hospitals, 617 were found via proactive testing, 534 prisoners tested positive, while 16 were overseas arrivals.

Bangkok again led the list with 1,098 cases, followed by Samut Prakan with 269 and Pathum Thani with 80.

Of the returnees, 12 were Thai nationals – eight from Cambodia, three from the Philippines and one from Indonesia. The remaining four were nationals from the US, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Russia who arrived from their home countries.

Meanwhile, 2,483 patients have recovered and been discharged in the last 24 hours.

As of Tuesday, the number of confirmed cases in Thailand had risen to 182,548. So far, 131,999 have recovered and been discharged, 49,252 patients are still in hospitals, and 1,297 have died.: https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40001799

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Thai private hospitals to purchase 10 million Moderna doses, deliveries expected by October

Thailand’s Private Hospital Association (PHA) is seeking to purchase up to 10 million doses of the US made Moderna vaccine, through the country’s Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO), with deliveries expected by October.

PHA President Paiboon Eksaengsri said yesterday (Sunday) that the association has discussed the purchase with Zuellig Pharma, a firm importing the Moderna vaccine, and progressis being made.

A PHA meeting today has agreed to the prices – 1,900 Baht for one dose and two doses for 3,800.

Last month, Moderna became the fourth vaccine to be approved by Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (TFDA). There are five brands approved to date, with China’s Sinopharm being the latest. The others are Sinovac’s CoronaVac, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.

On Friday (June 4th), the Disease Control Department announced that the government is also in talks with representatives of Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer, to import up to 25 million doses.

Six million doses of Sinovac vaccine and almost two million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine, 1.8 million of which were locally produced by Siam Bioscience, have been delivered to date.: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-pr...ed-by-october/

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.