First Thai-made coronavirus test kits delivered

The first coronavirus test kits made in Thailand are on their way to laboratories around the country after being delivered to Government House on Thursday (April 16). Developed by Siam Bioscience and the Department of Medical Science, the RT-PCR virus test kits meet World Health Organisation standards and will go straight into battle against the nationwide pandemic.

Siam Bioscience International was established in 2009 under the guidance of His Majesty King Rama IX the Great to improve the health of Thais. After the Covd-19 outbreak, the company decided to adapt parts of its factory for the urgent production of RT-PCR kits.

It has now delivered the first shipment of 20,000 test kits, out of a total 100,000, to send to medical laboratories across the country for speedier detection of the virus so that patients can be quarantined to reduce the spread of infection.

"The production of this virus test kit embodies our aim of ensuring good health for Thais and answering the nation’s needs through the dedication and collaboration of our staff, including executives, researchers, and work teams,” said Nualphan Lamsam, Siam Bioscience’s corporate communications director.

“We are proud to add a spark of hope in efforts to control this epidemic.”