Thailand

With COVID-19 spiraling out of control in Thailand, the $683 million purchase has again drawn criticism.

The country's slow vaccine rollout has heaped pressure on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's government.

Simmering anti-government sentiment has been compounded by Prayut's failures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Will mounting evidence about the limited efficacy of Chinese-made vaccines spell the end for Beijing's vaccine diplomacy?

Siam Bioscience was awarded a license by AstraZeneca last year to be a regional production hub supplying eight other countries despite having no experience in manufacturing vaccines.

At least half of the region's 11 nations have seen record daily infection counts over the past week.

The government hopes that the “Phuket sandbox” scheme will lead to the revival of Thailand's tourist industry.

After anti-government demonstrations aired unprecedented criticisms of a powerful institution, the backlash is now in full swing.

Until Southeast Asian nations achieve widespread vaccination distribution, they will continue to struggle with periodic outbreaks and lockdowns.

Demonstrators renewed their calls for charter reform and the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Thailand's ambitious plans for economic reopening are being undermined by the country's sluggish COVID-19 vaccine campaign.