Thai government still betting big on Sinovac as public faith erodes

13 Sept 23:27 Key points summarised by AI

The Thai government continues its significant reliance on Sinovac for its national vaccination program, despite eroding public confidence and mounting legal challenges from political parties and lawyers regarding its efficacy and procurement.
Public and medical professionals express deep concerns over Sinovac's effectiveness, particularly against new COVID-19 variants like Delta, citing breakthrough infections, reduced antibody levels, and fatalities among vaccinated individuals.
Sinovac accounts for the majority of doses administered in Thailand, with millions more procured, as the government prioritizes its immediate availability over other vaccine options, despite ongoing controversies.
Thai studies indicate that two doses of Sinovac offer limited protection against the highly contagious Delta variant, contrasting with government assertions of its broad effectiveness in reducing severe illness and death.

Suspected drug couriers killed in Phetchaburi; half a tonne of Ice seized

Yesterday 16:06 Key points summarised by AI

Two suspected drug couriers were killed in a shootout with narcotics officers in Phetchaburi province.
Authorities seized approximately half a tonne of crystal methamphetamine, also known as Ice, during the operation.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night after officers tracked a network suspected of transporting large quantities of drugs to southern Thailand.
The suspects, identified as Chattharin and Rungarun, both 27, opened fire when confronted by officers, who returned fire, resulting in their deaths.