Thai Gov't Warns Public From Buying Molnupiravir Without Prescription

The Thailand government has warned the public to refrain from purchasing COVID-19 drug molnupiravir without prescription or medical consultation, as per a press release by the Royal Thai Government on Aug. 4.

Prime Minister and Defense Minister General Payut Chan-o-cha's warning came after the Department of Health had reported online sales of the drug, as disclosed by government spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana.

According to a report by The Nation Thailand on the same day, Thai police and the Ministry of Public Health had arrested three suspects in a sting operation, where they were able to seize 80,000 tablets of Favirapiravir and molnupiravir, doses of Remdesivir ampoules, and anti-COVID-19 nasal sprays.

The operation was carried out after Chulalongkorn University science lecturer Jessada Denduangboriphat shared online that he had to purchase molnupiravir for his family when doctors refused to issue them the drug.

In the release, Chan-o-cha attested that there are enough COVID-19 medicines and supplies in the country's public health system and that the public must heed the instructions of the public health ministry.