Unexpectedly, The Thai court directed a leading government enemy to delete social media claims that the coronavirus vaccine program of the state is vague and disproportionately benefits a king-owned company. Nevertheless, the Democratic Campaign of opposition politician Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit denied the videos were illegal and urged YouTube and Facebook to protect democracy.
The Criminal Court ruled that Mr Thanathorn’s posts on social media and his movement’s website might violate national security. The videos accuse the government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of avoiding accountability in enabling, despite a lack of vaccine expertise, Siam Bioscience, which is owned by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, to supply most doses.
In a 2019 referendum to retain power a claim he rejects opponents argue former junta leader Prayuth rigged a vote and violated a national silence by increasingly criticising the monarchy. A 600 million baht (S$13.4 million) subsidy was obtained by Siam Bioscience to build the capacity to produce AstraZeneca vaccines domestically and throughout Southeast Asia.
When approached by Reuters, the court did not comment. The Campaign of Mr. Thanathorn said it had not earned the ruling. The government has also filed a video complaint against him, accusing him of offending monarchy, an accusation punishable by up to 15 years in jail.
The government says the development of Siam Bioscience is on schedule to provide to the public a first batch of 61 million doses by June. There was no immediate comment on the court decision from Mr Thanathorn or Siam Bioscience. Traditionally, the palace does not elaborate on political conflicts.
Relatively unscathed by Covid-19, Thailand confirmed 829 new cases of coronavirus recently, taking the total since the epidemic began last January to 18,782 cases and 77 fatalities.
Looking back the delivering 50,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to high-risk groups next month, will launch its coronavirus inoculation campaign, as it faces charges of being too late to procure vaccines.
The food and drug administration of Thailand approved the AstraZeneca vaccine for emergency use, but has yet to give authorisation to Sinovac Biotech, of which two million doses have been requested by Thailand. However, Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said AstraZeneca will provide 50,000 fewer doses of the vaccine than the 200,000 requested by Thailand. Through this, it’s a mystery to think about the things happening in inoculation of the vaccine throughout the nation.
