A government spokesperson stressed that Thailand was not eligible for the free COVAX vaccine from COVAX as a middle-income country, pointing out that negotiations with manufacturers directly as a more appropriate alternative, taking into account the people’s interests.
February 14, 2021 Anucha Buropchaisri, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office To clarify in the event that there is a news stream that Thailand has lost the train to receiveCOVID-19 vaccine Free from the COVAX Program (Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access Facility) that the COVAX program was initiated under the cooperation of the Pandemic Innovation Partnership. (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance) and the World Health Organization. Which was established to support access to the COVID-19 vaccine. Of different countries All over the world
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This Thailand has sent a letter of intent to join since the beginning of the project. But because of the vaccine allocation framework and vaccine reservation agreement set by the World Health Organization at that time It was an early stage in the development of all vaccines. Which means that even after making a reservation It is not yet known whether the reserved vaccine will be successful or not. Government decisions are thoughtful in the midst of limitations and contexts. Through a working group set up by the Ministry of Public Health Which consists of experts both inside and outside the ministry Both academic, legal and financial to jointly consider the terms of the agreement to order vaccines It is a decision based on the potential benefits and risks. They may not be vaccinated if their development is not successful, delayed and require advance payment.
In addition, if ASEAN countries are classified in the middle- to high-income level, such as Thailand, Brunei, Singapore and Malaysia are not eligible for free vaccination assistance. Or buy it at a low price from the COVAX project due to the income of Thailand is moderate, with 6 countries in ASEAN that receive free vaccines are Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam. To participate in the COVAX Vaccine Purchasing Program, you have to pay for the vaccine itself, with a high budget and high risk. It is a prepayment but the manufacturer’s source is not known. And unable to specify exact date for vaccination
“Considering all the restrictions on participating in the COVAX program, Thailand has made an agreement to buy the COVID-19 vaccine. Directly from the manufacturer, it is a suitable choice under various limitations. Because it is more flexible Can negotiate the price and conditions directly with the manufacturer. Confirm that when taking into account the interests of the people of Thailand The government does not block negotiations with any place if COVAX adjusts the terms and offers. If Thailand sees it as an advantage, it can still enter into an agreement through COVAX in the future ”.
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