WHILE former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said in a Clubhouse chat that a small amount of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has arrived in Thailand and Pfizer (Thailand) Company today (May 5) denied it has started importing its vaccine, he had also criticised the government’s vaccine policy, Sanook.com said.
Thaksin said that although vaccines are not very risky, there is a risk to them because every brand was approved for use within one year as an emergency.
He added that he is puzzled why the government has chosen the two brands, AstraZeneca and Sinovac, when the whole world knows about Pfizer and Moderna, but if it is China then it is Sinovac.
“Why did Thailand choose these two brands and why does everyone have to buy them from the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation?
“Let the hospitals go buy. Pfizer, today if you look at the Thailand website you will come across it, but not much has come in.
“If you can’t place an order why don’t you borrow first? Like Sputnik giving 10 million doses, can you give one million first?” Thaksin said.
Today vaccines must be used and the government has to allow free import,he said, then pointing out that the private sector is putting up the money so why stop them? Is it that the government wants to use a budget?
He added that today the authorities should be open-minded and not difficult with the key issue being a public health minister who could talk and convince the Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Regarding the story making the rounds that he wants to come back home, Thaksin said he is now 73 years old and does not think too much about anything and just wants to be with his grandchildren.
CAPTION:
Top: Thaksin speaking via Clubhouse. Thai headline says, “Thais are already using Pfizer.” Photo: Sanook.com
