Thailand’s new COVID-19 infection rate continues to fall, albeit slowly, from Sunday’s 143 to today’s 103, while the country’s death toll has increased by 4 to 19, with three of them linked to the boxing stadium.

Total confirmed infections have increased to 1,978 to date, while recoveries have risen to 581, according to Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) spokesman Dr. Thaveesilp Wissanuyothing. The Prime Minister, however, is still not happy with the situation because the daily infection rate remains over 100.

Of the 103 new cases, one was linked to a boxing event, two with entertainment venues and six are related to religious activities in Indonesia. 39 were in close contact with previously confirmed cases and 44 are returnees from abroad.

The Prime Minister praised the 15 provinces where the infection has not yet been reported.  They include Kamphaeng Phet, Chainat, Trat, Nan, Bung Karn, Ayutthaya, Phang-nga, Phichit, Ranong, Lampang, Sakhon Nakhon, Satun, Sing Buri, Ang Thong and Samut Songkhram.

Regarding Thais about to return to the country from abroad, Dr. Thaveesilp said they must be quarantined at state-designated facility because they are a high-risk group.

Noting that three of the four new fatalities were aged over 70, he urged young people to observe strict social distancing from their grandparents and other elderly people during Songkran, even though the associated festivities have officially been postponed due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

The State Railway of Thailand today suspended the services on 31 northern, north-eastern and southern routes until further notice, due to travel restrictions and a sharp drop in passenger volume.