Thailand’s race for a COVID-19 vaccine hits roadblocks

23 Sept 01:45 Key points summarised by AI

Thai COVID-19 vaccine development faces significant delays due to a critical lack of domestic facilities for producing experimental vaccines for human trials, necessitating reliance on overbooked foreign manufacturers.
Fragmented research efforts across numerous teams, coupled with limited human and financial resources, impede progress, with experts advocating for greater collaboration to accelerate development and technology transfer.
Despite these setbacks, the National Vaccine Institute is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy, including funding local research, fostering international collaboration, and procuring vaccines from overseas, while securing emergency budgets to bolster efforts.

Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties

Today 16:46 Key points summarised by AI

A dinner between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham party leaders sparked rumors of a potential merger, though Bhumjaithai's leader, Anutin, downplayed it as a casual meal.
The meeting is widely interpreted as a strategic message from Bhumjaithai to the Pheu Thai party, signaling alternative support ahead of an upcoming no-confidence debate.
Thailand's Constitution (Section 99) currently prohibits direct mergers of parties with sitting MPs during the House's term, a rule designed to prevent the 'buying and selling' of MPs.
While direct mergers are restricted, MPs can still switch parties if dismissed by a three-fourths party vote or if their party dissolves, allowing for indirect political realignments.
Kla Tham's voting behavior in the censure debate will demonstrate its loyalty to the government, potentially influencing future political dynamics despite current merger restrictions.