Thailand imposes more measures to curb COVID-19 infections

By Linda Khoo Hui Li

BANGKOK,  Jan  7  -- Thailand today announced more COVID-19 restrictions and measures including the suspension on its quarantine-free “Test& Go” entry programme extended until further notice, in bid to contain the spread of COVID-19 infections.

Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) spokesman Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin said, however, the current Thailand Pass holders would not be affected as they could still enter the kingdom without undergoing quarantine until Jan 15. 

He added that  the new applications for "Test & Go" quarantine programme will not be approved until further notice. 

“We will make changes if the situations improves,” he said at a press conference here today. 

Starting  Dec 22, Thailand halted its quarantine-free entry programme “Test & Go” and also most of the “sandbox” programme except “Phuket Sandbox” in bid to prevent the spread of Omicron variant. 

Meanwhile, Dr Taweesin said the “sandbox” programme  will be expanded to  other resort islands - Koh Phang-nga, Krabi, Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan (Surat Thani province), starting Jan 11. 

Under the “sandbox” programme, tourists are allowed to move freely during their stay but will remain  in the specific location for seven days before travelling to other provinces. 

The announcement came after CCSA meeting  chaired by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan o-cha. 

COVID-19 cases in Thailand continue to surge and over the last 24 hours, Thailand recorded 7,526 new COVID-19 cases and 19’deaths, bringing the total infections in the kingdom to  2,252,776  cases and 21,799 fatalities. 

Meanwhile, Dr Taweesin said Thailand would also lift an entry ban on travellers  from eight African countries - Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe - it had designated as high-risk starting Jan 11. 

To contain local transmission,  Dr Taweesin said entertainment outlets remain closed. 

He said restaurant and eateries in eight tourism provinces including the capital Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, and Phuket can serve alcoholic beverages until 9pm starting Sunday. 

However, he said the other 69  provinces have been banned from serving alcoholic beverages. 

Besides that, Taweesin said the government also advised public and private sectors to continue working from home until end of this month. 

-- BERNAMA