Thai public health officials went to a condominium in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area today, to test staff who had close contact with the family of an African diplomat, a member of which was found to be infected with for COVID-19.

The family arrived at Suvarnabhumi international airport on July 10^th, and the nine-year old daughter tested positive at the airport. A second test, conducted at a private hospital, confirmed the result and she was admitted for treatment of a lung inflammation.  She was then transferred to a state hospital for further treatment.

Chawin Sirinark, director of the health office of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, explained that the family holds diplomatic privileges, which exempts them from quarantine in a state facility, but in the embassy grounds instead, even though one had tested positive at the airport.

He said he thought the embassy might have not had sufficient accommodation, so they stayed at a serviced condominium on Sukhumvit Road adding, however, that the rest of the family are now quarantined in a state facility.

Dr. Preecha Prempri, deputy director-general of the Diseases Control Department, meanwhile, said that the condominium has its own safety measures, including temperature screening at all entrances and regular cleaning of the premises.

He said health officials will, today, try to trace all house maids and security guards, who may have had contact with the family during their stay.

A Royally-sponsored test vehicle was also sent to the condominium, to provide free testing to its residents.

Meanwhile, it is reported that seven Thai Airways International ground staff, working at U-tapao airport during the visit of the Egyptian military mission, have been placed in quarantine for observation for 14 days.

The Egyptians arrived at U-tapao airport in two C-130 transport planes, on a stopover en route to China.   While in Thailand, they stayed at a hotel in Rayong province.