More than 3,000 Laotians from Bangkok were travelling through the 2nd Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge checkpoint in Mukdahan province today (March 23), after the Thai capital temporarily closed down some businesses to prevent Covid-19 from spreading. The border checkpoint will be closed tomorrow.

 
Mukdahan Governor Chayan Sirimas reported that 3,000-4,000 Laotians requested to return to Savannakhet province in Laos.

 
As the number of returnees increased, provincial officials were making them undergo a health check-up before allowing them to pass. 
Officials have also had to bring in food and water as the queue has got longer.

 
All buses crossing the border were disinfected before taking on passengers.

 
Meanwhile, in Ubon Ratchathani, 2,000 Laotians were allowed to travel home after passing a health check-up. Officials announced on Saturday that this border checkpoint would be closed today.

 
Nine people from Ubon Ratchathani got infected with Covid-19 after visiting a boxing stadium and entertainment venues in Bangkok.

Over 5,000 Laotians returning home after Bangkok shuts some businesses