Authorities are threatening to reveal the names of 24 Thais, who arrived at Suvarnabhumi international airport on Friday and returned home to avoid state quarantine, if they do not report in by 6pm today.
Immigration police commissioner Pol Lt-Gen Sompong Chingduang warned that the defiant returnees will also face penalties under the Emergency Decree and the Infectious Disease Act, which include two years in prison and/or a fine of 40,000 baht.
A total of 158 Thai passengers arrived at the airport Friday evening. Several of them protested at having to enter quarantine at state facilities, claiming that they were not informed in advance. A commotion ensued until two military officers intervened and spoke to the passengers, who were subsequently allowed to leave the airport.
So far, 134 of them have reported to authorities, leaving 24 unaccounted for.
Interior Permanent Secretary Chatchai Promlert issued an urgent instruction yesterday to all provincial governors to track down all 158 of the passengers. They were also told to advise those in contact with the returnees to enter self-quarantine for 14 days as well.
