Here is a look at the top NATIONAL stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, August 1st to the 7th, with some commentary. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
1. Thailand to purchase the first 1,000 doses of Monkeypox vaccine, expected to arrive in late August
The first lot of Monkeypox vaccines is expected to arrive in the second half of this month and will be available for 500 people and the exact prioritized group is not decided yet. Some will be distributed to doctors and medical staff as well, according to the Department of Disease Control.
Thailand to purchase first 1,000 doses of Monkeypox vaccine, expected to arrive in late August
2. Royal Thai Air Force’s budget for purchasing F-35 fighter jets approved by Budget Committee
Despite the public controversy and disapproval among oppositional MPs, the Budget Committee has approved the procurement of F-35 fighter jets from the United States. However, the budget was reduced from the proposed 738 million baht to 369 million baht and if the US didn’t approve the purchase, the Royal Thai Air Force must return the budget immediately. Initially, the Air Force agreed to such charges and promised the committee and the public to conduct the purchase with transparency.
Royal Thai Air Force’s budget for purchasing F-35 fighter jets approved by Budget Committee
3. Thailand reports its third and fourth confirmed case of monkeypox this week
The third and fourth confirmed cases were reported last week. The third patient was a German national traveling to Phuket and the fourth was a Thai national in Bangkok. Both of them are now under close observation of medical personnel and Public Health, at least for 21 days. As of now, none of their close contacts were reported to be infected with the disease yet but are still being monitored by the officials.
Thailand reports its fourth confirmed case of Monkeypox, from Bangkok
And, that is all for this week. Thank you as always for reading the Pattaya News/TPN News!
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