67-Year-Old Thai Prime Minister Receives AZ Vaccine 'First Dose'... 4 Days After Postponement

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Prayut Chan-o-cha, the Prime Minister of Thailand, received the COVID-19 vaccine from the multinational pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca (AZ) on the 16th (local time). This was four days after postponing the vaccination following news on the 12th that several European countries had suspended its use.

According to major foreign media, Prime Minister Prayut was the first in Thailand to receive the AZ vaccine that morning. Before receiving the injection in his left arm, he told reporters, "This is to increase the public's trust in the AZ vaccine."

Originally, Prime Minister Prayut planned to publicly receive the AZ vaccine with cabinet ministers on the 12th, but postponed the vaccination as a precaution after reports of blood clot side effects emerged in Europe. However, after the Thai Ministry of Health decided to resume AZ vaccinations starting that day, he became the first recipient.

At 67 years old this year, major foreign media reported that he experienced no significant adverse reactions after the vaccination.

Thailand secured 61 million doses of the AZ vaccine produced locally by Siam Bioscience, a royal-owned company.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.