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Is Thailand’s bid to join global vaccine-sharing initiative too little, too late?

14 Sept 02:40 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand is belatedly bidding to join COVAX, the global vaccine-sharing initiative, after experiencing a critical shortage of effective vaccines during its severe fourth COVID-19 wave, making it the last ASEAN nation to participate.
The government initially opted against COVAX, citing reasons like not qualifying for free vaccines, higher costs, and lack of brand choice, instead relying on locally produced AstraZeneca and other non-mRNA vaccines.
Amidst record high infections driven by the Delta variant and growing public anger over the slow and inadequate vaccine rollout, the National Vaccine Institute Director apologized for the failures.
Thailand has now committed to joining COVAX for future vaccine supplies and announced a contract for 20 million doses of Pfizer's mRNA vaccine, signaling a shift in its vaccination strategy.

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.