Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has announced the Kingdom will extend its emergency status until the end of May. The decree had previously been scheduled to expire on 30th April. In addition, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has confirmed the existing inbound flights ban will also continue until 31st May 2020.
Following a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the news was officially confirmed by CCSA spokesman Dr. Taweesilp Visanuyothin. They explained the decision has been taken due to ongoing concerns within the administration that the virus may return if restrictions are lifted too soon.
In accordance with the orders of the Emergency Decree, Thailand’s pubs, nightclubs, health spas, swimming pools and stadiums will stay closed. Many restaurants, shopping malls and markets will also be affected, though food delivery services, supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores will be allowed to operate. To prevent the spread of the virus, other potentially crowded public places have been closed, including cinemas, salons, golf courses and schools.
The Emergency Decree was first instated on 26th March 2020, and was provisionally intended to last for a month. Under the terms of the restrictions, foreign arrivals are temporarily blocked and a nightly curfew will also remain in place, from 10pm-4am. According to today’s statement by Dr. Taweesilp, social gatherings are prohibited, while domestic travel will be limited to essential journeys between provinces. Those found to be in violation of the orders could face fines of up to 20,000 baht (US$600).
Thailand’s COVID-19 emergency committee is meeting daily to assess the latest conditions and take the appropriate action. Due to the fluid nature of the news, we recommend staying updated with our social media, where all the latest developments will be posted as they happen:
