Pharmacies warn of possible ATK shortage and price hikes as demand spikes during new COVID wave. PATTAYA, Thailand – Local pharmacies in Pattaya report a sharp rise in sales of ATK (antigen test kit) COVID-19 test kits following a resurgence of the virus in the area. Pharmacists say demand has surged as residents with flu-like symptoms rush to test themselves at home. Ms. Apiradee Thinrat, a pharmacist at Friend Pharmacy, noted that ATK kits are now selling as well as cold and flu medicine. “We’re restocking almost daily. All types of test kits are moving quickly,” she said. There are currently three main types of ATK kits available: Nasal swab only – approximately 45 baht per kit. Saliva or nasal swab – about 60 baht per kit. Dual test kits (COVID-19 + Influenza A & B) – around 100 baht per kit. While all kits offer similar accuracy, Ms. Apiradee emphasized that there’s no need to use multiple types simultaneously. She recommends retesting only before returning to work or socializing to confirm you’re no longer contagious. She also warned that wholesale costs are rising and, unless supply stabilizes, retail prices may soon increase. “If the supply shortage worsens, test kits might be hard to find,” she added. In addition to ATKs, related items like fever reducers, decongestants, herbal medicines such as fah talai jone, throat sprays, and lozenges are also seeing increased demand. COVID-19 test kits fly off the shelves in Pattaya as locals scramble to screen themselves amid rising infections.