Khao San Road closed for 3 days after Covid-19 outbreak

As could be predicted after massive New Year’s Eve parties in tourist hotspots around the country, many Covid-19 outbreaks and clusters have been identified throughout Thailand. One such cluster of 10 tourists with Covid-19 was identified on the backpacker hub of Khao San Road in Bangkok, leading to a 3-day closure for sterilisation.

The world-famous street in Phra Nakhon district, known for outrageous bars and partying for young world travellers, will be closed until January 6 for a thorough cleaning following the confirmed infections according to an announcement made yesterday by the Khao San Road Entrepreneurs Association.

The association confirmed that the cluster was identified at one restaurant on Khao San Road where 10 tourists tested positive, but so far none of the 22 staff members has been positive for Covid-19 after being tested.

The association is urging everyone on Khao San Road to use the 3-day closer to thoroughly clean and disinfect every part of their establishment. They also suggested using the downtime as the chance to test all staff members and recommend using the more dependable RT-PCR tests.

All restaurants, bars, and other venues have already been ordered to follow Covid-19 guidelines including a maximum of 50% occupancy in all inside areas and 75% are the areas outside as the majority of businesses on Khao San Road spill out onto the street itself.

Now authorities are being instructed to increase the frequency of antigen test kit usage to continually test staff to prevent any more outbreaks of Covid-19.

SOURCE: Nation Thailand