Even if a Covid-19 vaccine proves to have a lower disease prevention rate in some trials, it could still save lives, a virus expert said on Thursday.

The government on Thursday reported two new deaths related to Covid-19 and 271 new cases of the disease, 259 local infections and 12 imported infections, raising the total to 11,262.

The new wave of the pandemic is sparking demand for computers and accessories, pushing sales to grow 45-70% above normal, as more people work from home and learn online, say major IT retailers.

The government has retained its price control on 55 products and service items including medical face masks, a synthetic fibre used as a raw material to make medical face masks, alcohol and alcohol-based hand sanitiser, and recyclable paper.

The government's domestic tourism goal of 200 million trips this year is achievable, though it depends on state support via more stimulus plans, says the Association of Domestic Travel (ADT).

Far-flung villages in the North do not want "big" projects to light up their homes, they need just enough power to raise the quality of life of villagers accustomed to living a subsistence existence, according to a northern civil society group.

Police are at their wit's end trying to find the producers of "k-powdered milk", a new drug cocktail which is believed to have killed seven people in Bangkok.

Health authorities will speed up Covid-19 tests for more than 35,000 workers at 400 factories in Samut Sakhon by Jan 24 while the province is preparing to open its fourth field hospital tomorrow.

The Ministry of Public Health has requested further information about the vaccine it has ordered from China following a report it might not be as effective as first thought.

The government on Wednesday said it was still on track to receive and administer a coronavirus vaccine by China's Sinovac Biotech starting next month, despite data from a Brazil trial that showed 50.4% efficiency, health officials said.