The CCSA, chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, has decided to extend the current state of emergency, due to expire on April 30th, until the end of May and to retain the associated measures, including the night curfew, the ban on incoming foreign travellers, restrictions on inter-provincial travel and suspension of multi-person gatherings.
CCSA spokesman Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin said today that an opinion survey, conducted on 40,000 people, shows that over 70% favoured the extension of the state of emergency, a proposal for which will be submitted to the cabinet tomorrow for approval.
He said that the CCSA agrees with the relaxation of some lockdown restrictions for businesses, based on risk factors, which are divided into four groups:
- White Group: Businesses which are essential for the daily life of people, where preventive measures can be implemented, and public parks
- Green Group: Small businesses and out-door exercise areas
- Yellow Group: Businesses located in an enclosed environment with air-conditioning
- Red Group: High-risk businesses such as entertainment venues and boxing stadia
Dr. Taweesin said the Prime Minister suggested that operating hours should be defined for the businesses which reopen and that the relaxation of lockdown restrictions be applied nation-wide, not in specific provinces.
The National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), working with relevant agencies, has been assigned to work out the details for submission to the cabinet.
Additionally, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has decided to extend the ban on all incoming flights, from May 1st to May 31st, to prevent the spread of the contagion.
Exempted from the ban are flights by state or military aircraft, technical landings with no disembarkation, emergency landings, humanitarian aid flights, medical and relief flights, repatriation and cargo flights.
