Thailand on Friday will commit to a THB2.37 billion (US$78 million) down payment on a promising COVID-19 vaccine.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha will sign off on the advance purchase of the vaccine from AstraZeneca, the British-Swedish firm behind the most promising so far of vaccines being developed under a global program to inoculate nations equitably.
Government spokesperson Traisulee Traisornranakul today said the vaccine candidate, which yesterday was said to be at least 70% effective, would likely be available in the kingdom by the middle of next year.
AstraZeneca developed the vaccine along with Oxford University under COVAX, a WHO-led program that at least 165 countries have agreed to support for fair and equitable distribution of approved vaccines. It is also funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Under the program, Thailand will acquire…
