New Covid-19 vaccines in Thailand
Thailand and Russia have demonstrated long-standing relations over the past decades. The latest development in this bilateral relationship is the agreement for Thailand to import Russian-made “Sputnik V” Covid-19 vaccines, as announced by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-O-Cha.
The news was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s announcement that Pfizer will be added to the list of vaccinations available in Thailand.
Recent Covid-19 updates:
- Thailand continues with reopening
- Sinovac causes hemiparesis in six patients
- Govt considers legal action against Covid-19 patients that refuse treatment
Russia-Thai relations to strengthen
During Thailand’s process of acquiring Covid-19 vaccinations, Russian President Vladmir Putin offered to supply the Kingdom with the Russian-developed Sputnik V shot, which is said to have a 90% efficacy rate, as published in Coconuts Bangkok.
PM Prayuth Chan-O-Cha’s recent post announcing the trade deal with Russia.
Screenshot: ประยุทธ์ จันทร์โอชา Prayut Chan-o-cha
On 22nd April 2021, PM Prayuth Chan-O-Cha posted on his Facebook announcing that President Putin was happy to support Thailand and had already asked the Russian Ministry of Public Health to facilitate the exportation of Sputnik V.
The Thaiger also shared that two days prior to this deal, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was speaking on the Clubhouse audio streaming app, where he suggested the Thai Government gain support from Russia’s president so that the country could obtain Sputnik V from Russia.
Pfizer vaccines also on the way
In addition to Sputnik V, the Public Health Minister and Deputy Prime Minister , Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul has announced that Thailand will be receiving 10 million doses of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine, as reported by Matichon.
Arrangements regarding the delivery, price, and dates are still unconfirmed. Thus, he’s requesting that Pfizer representatives confirm the details as soon as possible so health officials can better plan the vaccination.
Help is on the way for Thailand
Thailand has witnessed a recent surge in Covid-19 cases, and it has come to the point where emergency procedures are prioritised. With vaccinations on the way, Thais can see a more hopeful picture up ahead.
Covid-19 domestic travel announcements:
- TAT releases list of attractions closed due to Covid-19
- 47 Thai provinces impose a 14-day quarantine rule
Cover images adapted from: @corrienteshoy (Left), The Currency (Right)
Enjoying The Smart Local Thailand? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more stories like this.