Purchase of Molnupiravir COVID-19 drug approved

13 Sept 13:26 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand’s cabinet approved a 500 million Baht budget to acquire 50,000 courses of Merck’s Molnupiravir COVID-19 anti-viral drug.
The procurement, alongside Pfizer’s Paxlovid, aims to treat individuals in early stages of COVID-19 infection.
Oral treatments are anticipated to be available in Thailand by December or January, following completion of the Thai Food and Drug Administration's registration process.
Clinical trials demonstrated Molnupiravir reduced hospitalization or death by 50%, while Paxlovid showed an 89% reduction.
Officials emphasize that early access to these effective anti-viral drugs is vital for pandemic containment, complementing ongoing public health measures.

Suspected drug couriers killed in Phetchaburi; half a tonne of Ice seized

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.