Chachoengsao provincial governor Rapee Pongbuppakit has quarantined himself and has notified 224 others, who were in close contact with the mayor of Chachoengsao provincial administration organization (PAO), of the need to enter 14 days of self-quarantine at home.

The governor said that he was among 225 people who were in close contact with the PAO mayor, who is believed to have contracted COVID-19 at Lumpini boxing stadium in a Bangkok suburb.

He disclosed that officials have been trying to locate 485 people, who have been in close contact with the mayor, but have, so far, only managed to locate 255 of them, including himself.

He warned that those who refuse to confine themselves may face a one-year jail term and/or a fine of 100,000 baht.

As far as he is concerned, Mr. Rapee said he was awaiting COVID-19 test results, expected today.

Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda said today that he expects all provinces to follow Bangkok’s example by closing down entertainment venues to delay the spread of the coronavirus.

Regarding land borders, the minister said that all 51 temporary crossings have been closed, leaving only one permanent crossing in each border province, except in Chiang Rai province which borders Myanmar and the Lao PDR.

Meanwhile, a female Chinese tourist has been detained for COVID-19 tests after she was accused by other passengers on a tour bus, operating between Bangkok and Saraburi, of frequently spitting into paper and changing seats several times during the journey.

The woman reportedly refused to cooperate, claiming she will return to China in the next two days.