FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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BMA urged to file lawsuits against Covid-19 patients concealing timelines

BMA urged to file lawsuits against Covid-19 patients concealing timelines

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) on Thursday called on Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to sue Covid-19 patients who refuse to reveal information of their movements.

This move came after it was learned that three Covid-19 cases linked to a celebrity DJ’s birthday party had concealed their timelines from authorities.

The party held by DJ Matoom, aka Techin Ploypetch, on January 9 has been dubbed a super-spreader event after it spawned two dozen infections.

DDC director-general Dr Opas Karnkawinpong said concealing timelines may be considered an offence under Article 55 of the 2015 Communicable Diseases Act and Article 137 of the Criminal Code.

Article 55 of the Communicable Diseases Act states that a person who obstructs or refuses to assist a communicable disease control officer shall be liable to a fine of up to Bt20,000.

Meanwhile, Article 137 of the Criminal Code says a person who provides false information to officials and is likely to cause injury to a person or the public will face up to six months in prison and/or a fine not exceeding Bt10,000.

Dr Opas added that holding parties can be considered a violation of Article 9 of the 2005 Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations which refrains people from holding or attending activities where an infection may be spread. Those in violation will face two years in prison and/or up to Bt40,000 in fines or both.

Dr Opas has called on people not to conceal their information as it may result in the virus spreading further.

"Also, everyone should strictly adhere to preventive measures such as wearing a mask, maintaining distance, washing hands regularly and checking in via the ThaiChana or MorChana smartphone apps,” he added.

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