Industry Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit gave an assurance today (Monday) that there is enough medical oxygen to meet domestic demand for vital lifesaving use.

The minister said today that he has instructed the Industrial Works Department to coordinate with all those involved in the production and distribution of oxygen for medical and industrial use, including the industrial gas segment of the Federation of Thai Industries and gas-filling plants, to make sure that there is a sufficient supply of medical oxygen for COVID-19 patients.

He said that all the producers and distributors have confirmed that their production capacities are sufficient to meet demand.

The combined daily production capacities of the 15 existing producers, in Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Chon Buri, Rayong, Songkhla, Lamphun and Chiang Mai, amount to 1,860 tonnes,but actual daily production is about 1,260 tonnes, including 660 tonnes of industrial oxygen, with and the rest for medical use.

Mr. Suriya said another factory, which can produce another 150 tonnes a day, will become operational in August adding,however, that total production can be increased to 2,200 tonnes per day in case of emergency.

Severe COVID-19 cases need oxygen from ventilators or high flow devices to ease their breathing difficulties.