Intense scrutiny
A long line of vehicles queue up to enter the Ko Mokaeng checkpoint in Pattani’s Nongjik district, which is a gateway to three deep South provinces (Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat).
Pattani has tightened screening for travellers to prevent the threat of Covid-19, especially among the returnees from Dawah pilgrimage in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Only local residents, those who have workplace in the area and vehicles carrying necessary supplies will be allowed to enter the province, according to the government’s emergency decree and nighttime curfew.
Although the Songkran holidays have been cancelled, a large number of people are still intending to travel back home this time of the year to celebrate Thai traditional new year with their families.
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