Thailand today (Wednesday) recorded six new COVID-19 infections, all among returnees from abroad in state quarantine, as the CCSA decides to extend the state of emergency for another month, until the end of August.

General Somsak Rungsita, secretary-general of the National Security Council, said today that the extension is necessary to enable authorities to deal effectively with the COVID-19 pandemic, in the wake of an unchecked global surge in the number of infections, as Thailand further eases lockdown restrictions, allowing limited foreign arrivals.

He assured, however, that the state of emergency will not be invoked against anti-government protesters and that a curfew will not be re-imposed.

CCSA spokesman Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, meanwhile, told a news briefing today that today’s new infections include four arrivals from Egypt and one each from the United States and Germany.

Thailand’s cumulative cases are now 3,261, with 3,105 recoveries and 58 deaths. 98 others are still being treated in hospital.

Regarding the cases of the Egyptian military mission in Rayong and the Sudanese diplomat’s family in Bangkok, Dr. Taweesin said that 7,207 people have been tested and all were found to be clear of the virus.

On vaccine development, he disclosed that Britain has reported positive results from its vaccine trials on humans, adding that the CCSA has urged Government and private sector to step up cooperation for vaccine trials in Thailand.

The CCSA also discussed punitive measures, to deal with increased violations, after the 4th, 5th, and 6th phases of lockdown easing. For the 6th phase of relaxations, four groups of foreigners will be allowed into Thailand. These include:

• Trade exhibitors for the several trade exhibitions to be held later this year, one in September, eight in October, four in November and two in December. Dr. Taweesin said these events will help boost the ailing Thai economy adding, however, that the exhibitors will be subject to quarantine while they are in Thailand and their employers must assign an official to accompany the visitors throughout the period of the exhibitions.
• Foreign film crews. All crew members must have fit-to-fly certificates, be tested before departure for Thailand and enter 14-day isolation on arrival. They are also required to specify filming schedules and locations, which must be approved by the CCSA.
• Those coming to Thailand under the medical and wellness program, for dental or cosmetic surgery services, and holders of Thailand Elite Cards. Those undergoing medical treatment will be subject to quarantine at their hospital for 14 days, after which they can venture outside.
• Migrant workers from Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.