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Health minister defends Sinovac vaccine, as MPs question its efficacy, price

14 Sept 01:25 Key points summarised by AI

Opposition MPs fiercely criticized the government's COVID-19 vaccine strategy, citing initial over-reliance on Sinovac and AstraZeneca, delayed procurement of diverse alternatives, and politicized distribution.
Lawmakers specifically questioned the efficacy and perceived high cost of the Chinese-made Sinovac vaccine, particularly its effectiveness against emerging variants.
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul defended Sinovac, asserting its effectiveness in preventing severe illness for millions of vaccinated Thais and noting its price has significantly decreased.
Minister Anutin also argued that the efficacy of other vaccines similarly declines against the Delta variant, emphasizing that price is not a barrier if more effective options are deemed necessary.

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.