Prayut hints at more restrictions after Covid surge
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday urged all Thais to join forces to overcome the latest Covid-19 outbreak, but hinted that further disease controls would be imposed.
Addressing the nation in a televised appearance, the premier said the fresh outbreak in Samut Sakhon had been tackled with stringent measures. The outbreak has so far spawned more than 1,000 cases.
Prayut added that the virus crisis was now growing around the world. This would impact the global economic recovery and, in turn, affect Thailand’s economic revival, he said.
The global situation also meant Thailand would have to maintain entry restrictions for foreign travellers, to curb transmission of the disease. Authorities would keep a close watch on airports and other access points including trains, buses, boats and natural border crossings, said the PM.
He added that additional stringent measures might be needed to handle the situation. New Year events may also face extra controls or even cancellation.
He said gangs who trafficked migrant workers must be eradicated, regardless of whether state officials were involved.
The PM said Thailand would be the least affected country in the world if all Thais joined forces to prevent transmission of Covid. He also vowed to do his best to deliver vaccines for all Thais.