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Long Weekend Is a Cause for Concern in COVID Fight

With Asarnha Bucha and the Buddhist Lent Day period right around the corner, the spokesman of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), Taweesilp Visanuyothin has stated his concerns regarding the homecoming of Thais.

He stated that it is estimated that many Thais are bound to return to their provincial homes as the country is all set to enjoy a long holiday from July 4th to 7th. He said that it is a cause for concern since this movement in the country may cause a new surge in the coronavirus infections in the country.

The fact that the country has entered the fifth phase of easing restrictions will further act as motivation for Thais to swarm to their homes in numbers.

“When they return home, they will gather with friends for drinking. It is their way of life,” Dr Taweesilp said.

He further added that the system of tracking the disease in local regions is robust as village health volunteers are putting directed efforts to prevent the transmission of diseases from those who have returned home recently to the elders in the community.

Nevertheless, the primary challenge continues to be the fact that illegal immigrants are crossing the borders even during the pandemic.

“So we cannot feel 100% at ease. It was reported last month that more than 2,900 illegal workers crossed the border and stayed with us,” Dr Taweesilp had stated.

He encouraged Thais to continue following all the health protocols and adhering to various safety measures, including, but not limited to practising physical distancing and donning face masks.

“Thailand has survived the past six months because of cooperation from everyone,” Dr Taweesilp said.

The easing of restrictions on Wednesday marked the reopening of various nightlife venues such as pubs and bars, karaoke bars, and bath-sauna-massage establishments.

Thailand has not reported cases of community transmission for close to 40 days now. Since the onset of the pandemic in March, the country reported 58 coronavirus-related deaths and 3,180 infections in total.