Thailand has asked South Korea to keep Thai workers within the country for 14 days of health observation before allowing them to fly back to Thailand, said government spokeswoman Mrs. Narumon Pinyosinwat this morning (Friday).

This precautionary measure is one of the three proposed by Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, during his recent call with his South Korean counterpart about cooperation over the handling of Thai workers in South Korea.

Other measures include tightening up of exit screening before boarding flights for Thailand and the provision of full information about returning Thai workers registered with South Korean immigration officials.

Mrs. Narumon said that the three measures were agreed by both sides, adding that South Korea has promised to take good care of Thai workers and provide them with free treatment if they are infected with COVID-19.

Preparations are in place to cope with the return of the workers from South Korea, whose numbers are expected to increase, she said, adding that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha understands public concerns over their return and that he is confident that all the precautionary measures are in place to cope with the situation.

According to the ministerial announcement from the Public Health Ministry, which was published in the Royal Gazette on Thursday, China, including Hong Kong and Macau, South Korea, Italy and Iran have been designated as Dangerous Infectious Disease Zones.

Airports of Thailand Company (AOT) managing director Nitinai Sirisamatthakarn said today that the company has recently installed infrared thermal scanners at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai airports and at Mae Fah Luang airport in Chiang Rai, as part of the escalated screening measures.

Exit screening has also been stepped up for all domestic and international flights, so passengers can rest assured that all on board have been screened, he said, adding that AOT has increased the cleansing frequency at the six main international airports.