Thailand week in review: CCSA suddenly overrules Bangkok’s business resolutions, All prominent pro-democracy protest leaders released, Thailand’s first manufactured AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines officially distributed, and more

Here is a look at the top NATIONAL stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, May 31st to June 6th, with some commentary. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.

PHOTO: Prachachat

1. CCSA sudden overruling of Bangkok’s business resolution to loosen some Covid-19 measures prompts public outcry

While the BMA has approved of a Bangkok partial reopening last Monday afternoon, the CCSA, seven hours later, halted the measures for at least two more weeks. The overruling had instantly sparked a public outcry that night, doubting why the two major departments did not thoroughly discuss prior to the official announcement as this had significantly caused confusion among people and uncertainty towards the work of the Thai government in general. The issue was also seen by many on social media as a big failure in communication between government agencies as well as to society when the country is in crisis.

CCSA sudden overruling of Bangkok’s business resolution around loosening of some Covid-19 measures prompts public outcry

2. Three pro-democracy protesters, Arnon, Mike, and Justin, granted bail today after months of detention over Lese Mejeste charges

The three of them were released with a surety of 200,000 baht each on Monday under similar conditions that they must refrain from participating in any activities, organizing or leading any protests, and hosting any speeches that are offensive to the royal institution. This means that all of the prominent protest leaders in the pro-democracy movement have all been released. Most protesters are reportedly anticipating their next political moves despite the court’s conditions they have agreed upon.

Three pro-democracy protesters, Arnon, Mike and Justin, granted bail today after months of detention over lese mejeste charges

3. WHO officially approves China’s Sinovac vaccine for emergency use

The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated China’s Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use last Wednesday amid several months of debates among the Thai public regarding its safety and efficacy. The approval assured that the Sinovac vaccine meets international standards for safety, efficacy, and manufacturing. The vaccine has been deployed in several countries around the world, including Thailand, prior to the approval, to be used among adults over 18 years old, with a second dose two to four weeks later.

WHO officially approves China’s Sinovac vaccine for emergency use

4. The First lot of Siam Bioscience-produced AstraZeneca vaccines to be distributed nationwide in Thailand this week, say company officials

Thailand’s first manufactured AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines have been successfully distributed to the Thai government before being inoculated for the general public today, June 7th. A total of 58 provinces nationwide has received approximately 3,600 shots of AstraZeneca vaccines for local distribution while the remaining 19 provinces which are red-zoned and orange-zoned areas have just had their first lot of AstraZeneca vaccines yesterday which vary in amounts based on province. Just like other AstraZeneca vaccines being distributed around the world, the Siam Bioscience-produced vaccines have also been certified for quality and safety standards by the regulatory agencies in the country and have passed quality testing at AstraZeneca’s designated laboratories to reach universal standards, according to statements from AstraZeneca.

First lot of Siam Bioscience-produced AstraZeneca vaccines distributing nationwide in Thailand this week

And, that is all for this week. Thank you as always for reading the Pattaya News/TPN News!

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Nop Meechukhun
National News Writer at The Pattaya News from September 2020 to October 2022. Born and raised in Bangkok, Nop enjoys telling stories of her hometown through her words and pictures. Her educational experience in the United States and her passion for journalism have shaped her genuine interests in society, politics, education, culture, and art.