Stricter “bubble and seal” measures implemented at factories

Factories in and around Bangkok are implementing rigorous bubble and seal measures in accordance with government’s instructions in an effort to stop the spread of Covid-19. The Bangkok Post reports that workers face tough travel restrictions, whereby they may be confined to the factories or can only travel between their place of work and their dormitory. Already, there have been reports of workers in the central province of Nonthaburi attempting to flee their camps and being forced to return.

The Federation of Thai Industries says all factories are adopting the bubble and seal measures, adding that some have created new production lines in preparation for some of their workers testing positive. Kriengkrai Thiennukul from the FTI says businesses are concerned about their employees being infected, which could lead to factory closures and ultimately affect exports.

“Factories are also worried if they cannot control infections, the export sector will be next to bear the brunt.”

Kriengkrai says the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking is expected to adjust its forecast on export targets in the third quarter of the year, based on how the pandemic plays out.

“The export sector is currently growing due to the global economic recovery.”

Meanwhile, the FTI continues to call on the government to accelerate the rollout of vaccines and to import Pfizer and Moderna doses so that people can be given boosters that are effective against Covid-19 variants.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post