Officials, in Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Rai, have been trying to track down passengers from a VIP tour bus, which travelled from Bangkok to the Chiang Saen district of Chiang Rai. 3 passengers on the vehicle, all from the same family, have tested positive for COVID-19 and all fellow travellers now need to be screened.

Chiang Rai deputy governor, Mr. Pasakorn Boonyalak, and Dr. Tossathep Boonthong, the provincial health chief, told the media on Tuesday that they are asking passengers on Sombat Tour Company’s bus No 16-3473, which left Bangkok for Chiang Saen on March 21^st at 7.15pm, to report to provincial health officials for screening.

All three confirmed COVID-19 cases from the bus are now being treated at Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and senior health officials accepted the delivery of Chinese medical supplies, at the Public Health Ministry, from Mr. Yang Zen, the Chinese chargé d’affaires.

The medical supplies include 100,000 hygienic face masks, 10,000 N95 face masks, 2,000 protective gowns and 332 COVID-19 test kits.

Mr. Anutin said that Mr. Yang expressed China’s appreciation for the help that the Thai government offered to China when it was in trouble, so the Chinese government wants to reciprocate and help the Thai people.

Mr. Yang reportedly said that the best weapon to fight the virus is friendship and mutual help.

Mr. Anutin thanked the Chinese government for its help at a time when Thailand is also facing a crisis.