China says criticisms of vaccine hurt its goodwill

13 Sept 12:50 Key points summarised by AI

China's Embassy in Bangkok condemned persistent criticisms of its Sinovac vaccine, asserting such claims damage China's goodwill in assisting Thailand's pandemic response.
The embassy defended Sinovac's efficacy, citing WHO and Thai FDA approvals, alongside studies from Chile and Indonesia demonstrating high effectiveness against variants.
Criticisms, prominent in Thai political debates, led to diplomatic concerns and calls to avoid remarks that could strain bilateral relations.
China urged an end to "groundless charges," emphasizing that belittling the vaccine undermines its support for the Thai people.
The embassy's statement sparked a polarized social media reaction in Thailand, with some expressing gratitude and others continuing to question the vaccine's quality.

Cabinet approves same-sex cohabitation bill

Yesterday 09:40 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's cabinet approved a landmark bill to legalize cohabitation for intersex couples, potentially making it the first Asian nation to formally recognize LGBT partnerships.
The proposed law grants registered intersex couples significant rights, including collective financial management, inheritance, medical consent, and the ability to arrange funerals.
This legislative move aims to rectify the existing legal framework that only recognizes heterosexual marriage, aligning Thai law with human rights principles and the reality of intersex couples living together.