Thai PM urged to review suspension of deal to buy 8.5 million China-made ATKs

13 Sept 09:50 Key points summarised by AI

Ostland Capital, the firm awarded the 600-million-baht contract, appealed to PM Prayut Chan-o-cha to reconsider his instruction requiring WHO approval for the 8.5 million China-made ATKs.
The prime minister's directive, issued just before the contract signing, is widely interpreted as a suspension of the deal for Lepu Medical Technology ATKs.
Ostland Capital argues that the original bidding terms did not stipulate WHO endorsement, noting the Lepu ATKs are approved by the Thai FDA and meet standards in other countries.
The National Health Security Office (NHSO), funding the procurement, insists on highly accurate, WHO-approved kits due to surging COVID-19 cases, adhering to WHO standards over local FDA approval.
Both the Prime Minister and top public health officials have declined to comment on the controversial ATK deal, leaving its status unclear.

Six injured after car smashes into On Nut shopping mall

Yesterday 22:44 Key points summarised by AI

A 67-year-old woman drove her car through the glass frontage of a Bangkok shopping mall, injuring six people, including a six-year-old girl.
The driver claimed she accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake after being startled, causing the vehicle to surge forward.
She apologized to the victims, promising insurance coverage and additional financial aid, while police continue to gather statements before filing charges.