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Thailand’s slow procurement of jabs and revival of ‘vaccine diplomacy’

23 Sept 05:21 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's vaccine procurement lagged significantly behind comparable economies and neighbors due to a centralized system, unlike countries that leveraged diverse channels, private sector involvement, and diplomacy.
Nations like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Israel secured jabs rapidly through early engagement, diversified sourcing, strategic deals (e.g., higher prices, data sharing), and private sector participation.
Thailand's rollout faced delays stemming from initial low infection rates, legal obstacles for advance orders, and a single-committee approach, further complicated by domestic AstraZeneca production falling short of targets.
The global scramble for vaccines has revived 'vaccine diplomacy,' with major powers using donated doses as a geopolitical tool to exert influence, a trend Thailand has experienced through receiving international aid.

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.