The Army has ordered an investigation into the alleged involvement of senior army officers in organizing the “Lumpini Champion Kiatpetch” Thai boxing event at the Lumpini boxing stadium on March 6th, which has been blamed for the “super spread” of COVID-19.
At a tele-conference with all army units this morning (Thursday), Army Commander-in-Chief General Apirat Kongsompong reportedly ordered General Ayuth Sriviset, head of the Army Personnel Department, to form a committee to investigate the boxing event and the any involvement by army officers.
According to the Disease Control Department, so far more than 50 boxing fans, and those in close contact with them, have tested positive for coronavirus, including TV celebrity Matthew Deane and his wife, Lydia. Several other tests are pending results and some other people are still to be located for testing.
The infections were traced to a boxing fan, who returned recently from Italy and was not aware that he was infected when he attended the boxing event.
Political activist Srisuwan Janya told the media that he will lodge a complaint tomorrow, with the Compliant Centre at the Government House, to demand that the Prime Minister investigates the Lumpini boxing stadium’s management.
He claimed that the event was held, despite being warned by the Boxing Committee of Thailand that the event was a violation of the directive, dated March 3rd, ordering all sporting events to be cancelled.
Pheu Thai core member Ruangkrai Likitwattana has previously called on the Prime Minister to probe alleged army officer involvement in the controversial boxing event.
