Thailand’s Committee for Emerging Infectious Diseases has been instructed, by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, to develop precautionary measures to cope with a Stage 3 spread of COVID-19 in the country. The instruction was issued as he chaired a meeting of the committee at Government House this morning (Thursday).
Thailand is currently at Stage 2, which means that it is capable of containing the virus from spreading, unlike the situation in several other countries where COVID-19 infection is more widespread.
Although officials have done a good job in containing the virus, the Prime Minister said that he wants the country to be fully prepared to cope with a worsening situation.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s ambassador to Japan, H.E. Mr. Singthong Larbpisetpant, reported from Tokyo that three Thai citizens, one passenger and two crew members, on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship, have been infected with COVID-19 and that they are now in hospital.
There are two Thai passengers and 23 Thai crew members on the cruise ship, out of 3,700 passengers, of which 542 have been diagnosed as being infected with the virus.
The ambassador said the other Thai passenger, who is clear of the disease, is now staying at a hotel and is expected to return to Thailand soon. The remaining 21 Thai crew are still working on board.
Prachuap Khiri Khan provincial governor Pallop Singhaseni told the media on Wednesday that a 45-year Thai man, a taxi driver, who contracted COVID-19 from an elderly female Chinese tourist, was discharged from Hua Hin Hospital on February 14th after being treated there since February 2nd.
The 73-year old Chinese tourist, who was admitted for treatment at a private hospital in Hua Hin on January 23rd before being transferred to Rajavithi Hospital in Bangkok, was discharged on February 18th.
Hua Hin Hospital director Dr. Nirun Chantrakul said, however, that 43 people had close contact with the Chinese tourist and the Thai taxi driver and they are now under observation.
