Thailand says it’s not ‘fast spinning out of Covid-19 control’

With reference to your article Thailand fast spinning out of Covid-19 control published on May 13, 2021, I feel compelled to set the record straight as follows. 

The article’s claim that AstraZeneca has chosen Siam Bioscience to produce its vaccine was based on “unknown reasons” is false. Many companies in Thailand participated in the bidding process but Siam Bioscience was the successful bidder because of its capability for the transfer of viral vector vaccine manufacturing technology and its capacity to produce over 200 million doses per year.

The joint venture is founded upon the “no profit, no loss” principle as part of the global endeavor to make Covid-19 vaccines global public goods, for which Thailand was the selected regional distribution hub. 

Thailand has a clear national Covid-19 vaccination plan to inoculate at least 50 million people by the end of 2021. The government has already secured 63 million doses of vaccines and has been in touch with several countries and pharmaceutical companies to procure another 87 million doses from now until next year.

Contrary to the article’s insinuation of protectionism, Thailand welcomes vaccine registration applications from every company, with Moderna receiving the latest approval for public use from the Food and Drug Administration. Other vaccines are in the process of registration for approval.