The Thai government insists it has not barred private sector companies from ordering Covid-19 vaccines for commercial distribution in Thailand, in responding to rumors that the government was monopolizing Covid-19 vaccine imports. Deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said there is a clear policy for companies that are able to source supplies of the Covid-19 vaccine,

The Thai government insists it has not barred private sector companies from ordering Covid-19 vaccines for commercial distribution in Thailand, in responding to rumors that the government was monopolizing Covid-19 vaccine imports.

Deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said there is a clear policy for companies that are able to source supplies of the Covid-19 vaccine, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be ready to issue them with a license.

She said the government has no problem at all with allowing private companies to import these vaccines, while the real problem is a global undersupply of vaccines.

The fact is since all Covid-19 vaccines are only intended for emergency use, the government, not vaccine producers, is solely responsible for any negative consequences of these vaccines. And as Covid-19 vaccines are considered public goods, most countries only allow government agencies to handle the procurement, while not a single country has allowed the commercial distribution of any imported vaccines just yet.