Yutthana Mokekhao cited the need to prevent the COVID-19 coronavirus, which was originated in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, from spreading further. 
He invoked Sections 4 and 35 (5) of Port Authority of Thailand regulations in prohibiting ships carrying crewmembers infected with diseases that could affect public safety from approaching the port and ordering the vessels to abide by safety regulations covering international maritime transport. 
He said the port was willing to provide humanitarian aid to ships’ crews including food and medicine, as well as other supplies needed to enable the vessels to sail elsewhere.

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Laem Chabang Port closed to any ships with ailing crew

Ships with crewmembers infected with any critical disease are barred from docking at Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi, its director announced on Wednesday (February 12).