Extending Thailand emergency decree for another month, until May 31, 2020. Keeping the following measures in place:
1. Restrict incoming travel into the kingdom
Control incoming travel via land, sea, and air. Extending prohibition of international passenger flights into the country during the entire month of May.
2. Curfew Order remains in effect
All residents to strictly stay at home (Curfew) during 10PM to 4AM.
3. Restrict traveling between provinces
Prohibit or delay all (non-essential) interprovincial travels.
4. Prohibit large gathering activities
Temporarily prohibit entering into any mass gathering areas or places of assembly to participate in any activities and risk spreading the Covid-19 virus.
The liqueur stores closing order for Bangkok is being extended until April 30th.
Anyone with alcoholism condition may contact any healthcare facilities in Bangkok for help and treatment.
There are signs of improvement in the Covid -19 situation in Thailand. One of the most important factors is citizens cooperation. However, the next few weeks is crucial in shaping our future situation. Therefore, we are asking everyone to be patient and obey the restrictions so that we can get through this crisis together as soon as possible.
On Apr. 11, 2020, an announcement has been made by the Thailand Ministry of Interior to temporarily close liqueur (including beer) stores in 47 provinces, in order to reduce risk of citizens contracting Covid-19. The details are as follows:
Chonburi and Pitsanulok – Closed until further notice
Rayong and Ranong – Closed until April 15th
Sakolnakorn, Yala, Pichit, Lopburi, and Chiangrai – Closed until April 16th
Uttaradit, Kalasin, Yasotorn, and Suratthani – Closed until April 17th
Nakornratchasima and Petchabun – Closed until April 18th
Chachoengsao, Nakornnayok, Prathumthani, Trad, and Ratchaburi – Closed until April 19th
Chiangmai, Samutsakorn, Kampangpetch, Prae, Chaiyaphum, Samutprakarn, Ang thong, Lamphang, Sukhothai, Uthaithani, Narathiwart, Nongkai, and Nonthaburi – Closed until April 20th
Lamphun, Buriram, Surin, Nakornprathom, Samutsongkram, Roi Ed, Chainart, Suphanburi, Mukdaharn, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ubon Ratchathani, Kanchanaburi, Prachinburi, and Petchburi – Closed until April 30th
For Bangkok, selling of liqueur and beer is prohibited until April 20th.
Provinces highlighted in yellow are affected by this order
Here are the updates from the Thailand’s Prime Minister (summarization):
Medical and Public Health
Including previously announced restrictions to reduce the spreading of Covid-19 such as Social Distancing and Work from Home. To increase healthcare workers’ ability to provide needed care to their patients, the government had acquired over 200,000 additional N-95 masks which can be disinfected via UV-C ray and reused up to 4 times in medical facilities. Currently, 1.5 millions masks per day are being used by healthcare workers around the country. In addition, 50 millions clothe masks for general public are being made and distributed within local precincts. These appear to be adequate supplies for these masks. Thailand has imported 187,000 doses of Favipiravir from China and Japan and is in the process of acquiring 200,000 more. We are preparing additional medical beds for 98 sites in Bangkok and the surrounding areas. In addition, we are creating an additional 80 ICU beds for future needs, including quarantine facilities in Bangkok and local areas which can accommodate around 20,000 patients.
Prevention Security
Travel is restricted between provinces and a curfew has been announced for the entire country between 10PM-4AM.
Medical Merchandise Price Control
The government is actively monitoring market prices and making arrests of people who violate the restrictions via hoarding and price gouging of medical supplies.
Economic Relief
Adding government funding (loans) to help cover costs for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), relief funds for citizens, and economic stimulus programs
Financial Assistance for SMEs
Financial support for banks that are suffering from loan defaults
Reducing unnecessary government expenditures and shift funding to help with Covid-19 and other disaster expenses
Increasing hiring of healthcare professionals
Increasing free electricity from 50 units/month to 90 units/month (for meters with 5-amp capacity or less)
International
Slow down traveling for returning Thai citizens from other countries until Apr. 18th.
As of today, Thailand is one of the countries with low mortality rates from this pandemic. We are working hard, together in unity, as the whole county is fighting this virus and the government promises to take good care of its people. We applaud those who are working at the frontline as they are our heroes.
Restrictions to Address Songkran Festival
Cancel all activities related to Songkran throughout the county
Halt traveling of citizens to go back to their hometown
Prohibit senior/elderly blessing ceremonies
Prohibit mass gatherings of people
The government reccomends using online applications to express gratitude to parents and elderly family members if not living in the same place. Also, remember to keep 1-2 meter distance between family members living in the same household.
Happy Thai New Year, stay strong, we will win this fight together.