Thailand Faces Third Wave of COVID-19... "More AstraZeneca Vaccines Needed"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] Thailand has ordered AstraZeneca (AZ), which produces vaccines domestically, to supply more vaccines. This move came as public opinion worsened due to delays in vaccine supply, leading the government to directly pressure the vaccine manufacturer.

According to major foreign media on the 15th, Sapit Pitutacha, Deputy Minister of Health, stated that they would request AZ to supply more vaccines. Deputy Minister Sapit emphasized, "We need 10 million doses per month" and added, "We need to negotiate with AZ."

He also claimed, "AZ can currently produce 15 million doses per month in Thailand, and production will increase further," and "AZ has promised to supply 40% of its production to Thailand."

Originally, AZ planned to supply 33% of the 180 million doses to be produced in Thailand this year to the Thai market. The Thai government's supply target has increased. According to Minister Sapit, AZ has requested the Thai government to extend the vaccine supply schedule by five months for approximately 61 million doses.

On the previous day, Thailand also held a vaccine committee meeting to discuss limiting the export quota of AZ vaccines. The intention is to regulate the volume of AZ vaccines exported to Southeast Asian countries other than Thailand. A vaccine committee official also mentioned, "We will ensure that AZ delivers vaccines in a manner appropriate to Thailand's COVID-19 situation."

Currently, Thailand is experiencing a third wave of COVID-19, with 9,186 new confirmed cases. The number of deaths recorded on this day also reached a record high of 98.

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