Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Thai PM calls for unity in latest Covid fight, hints at further restrictions
The Thai PM, Prayut Chan-o-cha, has called on all citizens to unite in the fight against Covid-19, while implying further restrictions may be introduced. In a televised address to the nation, he said the virus outbreak in the central province of Samut Sakhon has now resulted in over 1,000 infections but is being dealt with through strict measures. He added that Thailand could end up being the least-affected country in the world if everyone in the Kingdom unites to defeat the virus.
Referring to escalating cases around the world, the PM says the global crisis and economic fallout will have a significant impact on Thailand’s recovery, adding that strict controls on foreigners entering the Kingdom will remain in place. He has tasked the relevant authorities with monitoring all points of entry, including airports, ports, train and bus stations, and natural border crossings. His assurances come after the Royal Thai Army issued a statement saying it was impossible to control every bit of Thailand’s porous border with Myanmar.
Touching on year-end celebrations, the PM has said while it’s too soon to make a decision, festivities may end up having to be cancelled or at the very least face tougher restrictions. He has also called for tough action on trafficking gangs guilty of smuggling migrant workers into Thailand without any health checks or quarantine.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
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Fred glue
Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 9:25 am
Merry Xmas too all, it’s just sad. I love Xmas I really do ever since I was a kid. Just stay at home for 7-10 days
We cannot loose anchor in this stupid virus, people that are sick & unwell please get better.
Kristof
Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 11:29 am
PM is right: unified response is best strategy. I see no reason we can’t celebrate New Years on a different date if necessary. The virus doesn’t care at all if we think out social customs are above it. As long as it has (or is given) an opportunity to spread, none of our rituals or cultural events can resist it. Take it as a humbling reminder that no matter how powerful we humans think we’ve become it is insignificant in comparison to the laws of logic and power of nature. If changing New Year celebrations means preventing a larger outbreak then we need to bend, not falsely insist the hit coming is not strong and stand there taking it in the face.
Peter
Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 12:51 pm
Welcome to the world of lockdowns.
Europe is closed for 3 months over winter and it’s going to take months if not years to vaccinate everyone.
To all the Brit bashing expats stuck in Thailand, it will be AstraZeneca and Oxford that get you out of this mess eventually.
More than you deserve.
Issan John
Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 2:34 pm
The “Brits” have only themselves to blame for any “bashing” having first chosen a known bluffer and buffoon to run the country, then for repeatedly ignoring both the scientific advice and the rules.
Only a minority in both cases, to be fair, but the results are as they are.
Stefan Svensson
Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 4:36 pm
Just close all places like bars and massage parlours,food places etc. Its just problems with social distancing in places like that. Hopefully they will celebrate Songkran 2021, but who knows.