Preparing further measures to control the spread of Covid-19

The Thai Ministry of Interior Permanent Secretary has sent an urgent official memo to Provincial Governors around the country informing them that the National Covid-19 Coronavirus Disease Management Centre is calling for a range of measures to be addressed immediately and urgently.

“These measures are in accordance with overall stepped up measures to help stop the spread of Covid-19 and encourage social distancing.”

The media is reporting the news believing that it’s a warning to get ready for a broader curfew than the current 10pm-3am curfew…

1. Prepare a local quarantine area. This must include an investigation/detention center, field hospital, food, beverage, donation points and public relations points for news providers and news outlets. If there are budgetary restrictions potentially preventing these actions the Provincial Governor must immediately report to the Ministry of Interior for an expanded line of credit to help address these urgent actions.
2. Ensure it is made very clear by local, regional and provincial Governor’s that the message should be “Do Not Travel unless completely essential”. Checkpoints should be in place and all officials should be working to ensure that people are encouraged to stay at home and practice social distancing. All officials should also have and rehearse a disaster response plan.
3. Measures should be in place to prevent stockpiling of essential goods and hoarding, especially those who wish to profit by reselling needed goods. If an offense is found, it should be strictly prosecuted.
4. Plan for a transportation system of essential goods, such as food and medicine and clearly state and develop points for food and beverages to be given to residents who need assistance.
5. All Provinces must report to the Ministry of Interior on the status of their current plans by 6:00 PM every day.

The Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha said last week that “if the country does not see improvement in regards to the control of the spread of Covid-19 and if people are not voluntary complying with advice to socially distance that stricter measures may take place”, including potentially expanding curfews and limiting gatherings and travel even more.