The Thai government will not procure Covid-19 vaccines through the Covax program, supported by the World Health Organization, because the conditions are too strict. This measure could put the country at risk of receiving delayed vaccines at higher prices.
Under the program, Thailand would charge a supplement for the reservation and would have limitations on producers and delivery time. Covax also requires a minimum purchase of 10% of a country’s population to place a quick order with conditions and costs, said Nakorn Premsri, director of the National Vaccine Institute of Thailand.
“Purchasing vaccines directly from producers will be more flexible because we will be able to decide how much to buy and also negotiate prices, which can lead to a lower price for large orders,” Nakorn said. Still, negotiations continue. With acceptable conditions, Thailand could acquire the vaccine through the Covax program in the future.
Thailand reported 490 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, bringing the nation’s total to 23,134. Of these, 18,897 infections have been reported since mid-December.
TO READ: Thailand will start the Covid-19 vaccination program from February 14