Thailand signs deal for advance procurement of COVID-19 vaccine

23 Sept 04:55 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand finalized an agreement with AstraZeneca to procure approximately 26 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine, with initial deliveries anticipated by mid-next year.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha emphasized the deal's crucial role in sustainable outbreak prevention, economic recovery, and ensuring Thai citizens' access to a safe and effective vaccine.
The government allocated around six billion baht for this advance procurement, initially sufficient for 13 million people.
Beyond vaccine procurement, Thailand also secured a technology transfer agreement, designating Siam Bioscience as the sole Southeast Asian producer of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine.

Bai Lu meet-and-greet cancelled days after China’s safety warning

Yesterday 15:28 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Tourism and Sports Minister announced the government will seek clarification from the Chinese Embassy regarding its recent travel advisory warning Chinese nationals about safety concerns in Thailand.
The travel advisory is anticipated to negatively impact the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, despite recent increases in arrivals.
A meet-and-greet event featuring Chinese actress Bai Lu, a WeTV Global Ambassador, was abruptly cancelled just days after the Chinese Embassy issued its safety warning, though no official reason was provided.
The Chinese Embassy's advisory urged citizens to beware of job scams, fraudulent investments, suspicious travel arrangements, and the risk of illegal detention or being lured to the Thai-Myanmar border.
Chinese nationals were advised to verify job offers, use legitimate transport, avoid high-risk border areas, protect personal documents, and keep family informed of travel plans.