Chonburi seven days of danger road safety campaign underway, plenty of police checkpoints in effect - Pattaya News

Chonburi seven days of danger road safety campaign underway, plenty of police checkpoints in effect

Sunday, 11 April 2021, 7:42

Chonburi –

Chonburi Police, including Pattaya, have started setting up multiple checkpoints for the annual 'Seven Days of Danger' road safety campaign for Songkran which started this weekend and runs through the Songkran festival this week.

One of the checkpoints was set up on April 9th-April 10th, 2021, in front of the Boon Sampan Temple in Nongprue.

The Nongprue Police Chief Colonel Chitdaecha Songhong told The Pattaya News, "The 'Seven Days of Danger' road safety campaign is targeted to decrease road accidents, take action on drunk drivers, checking for weapons and illegal drugs, find illegal migrants entering the area, and other crimes."

"Additionally, we are also including Covid-19 measurements, looking for people who appear to be sick and checking temperatures as well as asking if people had recently been to high-risk areas or frequented entertainment venues. Those people we find to be of potential concern may be sent to a doctor or nurse for an evaluation." Chitdaecha continued.

"Last night (April 9^th), a total of nine drivers were arrested for drunk driving at the Boon Sampan Temple checkpoint alone," Chitdaecha explained

"Additionally, Mr. Chingchai Chuchuen, 33, was arrested at the checkpoint as he was found carrying an illegal handgun with two magazines and 30 bullets," Chitdaecha concluded.

This year, travel is significantly down according to the Thai government due to fear of a renewed breakout of the Covid-19 coronavirus in Thailand and Chonburi, stemming primarily from entertainment venues in Bangkok. However, there are no national travel restrictions and Chonburi has opted at this time not to have provincial restrictions on entry or leaving. Some provinces, however, have enacted their own restrictions.

Additionally, Songkran this year is only meant to be a very trimmed down and traditional event, with activities like parties, water fights, concerts, street parades, and other popular events banned due to Covid-19 concerns.

Songkran is typically one of the most dangerous times of the year for driving, primarily driven by people driving intoxicated who had been celebrating the holiday.



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Folks, due to the current situation we are unable to answer every private message, especially if the information has been posted multiple times in articles and posts. We can't be any more clear here: There are currently NO travel restrictions or quarantines for entering or leaving Chonburi/Pattaya. There are checkpoints but they are primarily for Covid-19 with temperature checks and drunk driving checks. Entertainment venues, cinemas, a few other things are closed. Restaurants must close by 10PM for dine-in but can sell alcohol if you are having a meal and not social drinking. That is as of this moment.

We can't predict if that could change overnight, or tomorrow, or an hour from now as we are getting in many messages. We can't guarantee that if you leave there won't be a quarantine in a week when you return. It is an extremely unpredictable situation currently and changes rapidly. We are also unable to advise on other provinces, if they have checkpoints, etc, etc. We strongly advise you to possibly reconsider any travel plans unless it is an absolute emergency due to the confusion at this time. Thank you. 

Thai economy will suffer from delay of reopening to foreign tourism. Reopening the country to foreign tourism could be delayed because of insufficient vaccine supply, public concerns over the safety of vaccines, and potential virus mutations. Pattaya Mail

Thai economy will suffer from delay of reopening to foreign tourism

Pattaya MailApril 10, 2021

The BoT projected the Thai economy would recover slowly and unequally in the short term whereas reopening the country to foreign tourism could be delayed.

The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has advised the government to prepare additional financial and fiscal aid packages to protect against uncertainties under the worst-case scenario.



The bank projected the Thai economy would recover slowly and unequally in the short term. Reopening the country to foreign tourism could be delayed because of insufficient vaccine supply, public concerns over the safety of vaccines, and potential virus mutations.

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Based on this scenario, the central bank downgraded foreign arrivals to 3 million from 5 million due to the country's stalled reopening plan and international travel restrictions in source markets, particularly China. 

Nationwide lockdown to tackle latest COVID-19 outbreak is not necessary - Pattaya Mail

Nationwide lockdown to tackle latest COVID-19 outbreak is not necessary

Pattaya MailApril 10, 2021

Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda said there is no need for a nationwide lockdown to tackle the latest outbreak of Covid-19.

Thailand Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda said there is no need for a nationwide lockdown to tackle the latest outbreak of Covid-19.



He said Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has allowed governors and communicable disease committees in each province to use measures depending on the situation in their areas. The outbreak situation may vary from province to province, so each governor should be able to issue measures suitable for their community while creating minimal impact to the people and the local economy.

The minister said if every citizen continues to properly protect themselves, the outbreak will soon be contained and a nationwide lockdown or strict measures that could hurt the economy will not be necessary.

He also urged people planning to travel back to their hometowns during Songkran to follow Covid-19 preventive measures and stay safe on the road. (NNT)



Covid from Bangkok nightclubs spreads rapidly nationwide - 600+ cases in 32 provinces and counting. Thai Visa



Picture: Daily News

 

Daily News reported that Covid-19 cases linked to nightclubs in the Thong Lor area of Bangkok have now reached 604 cases in 32 provinces.

 

The stats show how quickly the virus has spread and cases reported yesterday are already well out of date.

 

For example the media said there was an associated cluster of 50 in Sa Kaeo in the east and Hua Hin were reporting more than 80 cases though how many of these were directly related to the Bangkok cluster was unsure.

 

Dr Chawetsan Namwat of the infectious disease department said that 93.71% of the 604 infections were Thais with 3.81% Japanese and the rest other nationalities. 

 

Of these 36 had symptoms and 64 were asymptomatic. 

 

Image: Daily News

 

With the upcoming Songkran holidays and the exodus to the countryside now in full swing, critics of the government's decision to promote interprovincial travel are becoming more vocal. 

 

Meanwhile Daily News reported that 466,374 people have received their at least one dose of vaccine since the rollout began on February 28th (until April 8th).

 

Of these 405,911 have had one dose and 60,463 have had two jabs. 

 

Many countries have managed millions of jabs in the same timeframe. 

 

Fler och fler regioner blir röda dessvärre !



10/4. 😢😢😢😢



The Chonburi Public Health Department PR announced 141 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 this morning, April 10th, 2021. Pattaya News

Chonburi adds 141 new local cases of Covid -19

Saturday, 10 April 2021, 10:58

Chonburi –

The Chonburi Public Health Department PR announced 141 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 this morning, April 10th, 2021.

Chonburi has now 264 confirmed Covid -19 cases in the new round of the pandemic since April, 2021.

Of the district cases, 53 are in Mueang Chonburi, 30 are in Banglamung, 8 are in Si Racha, 7 are in Panthong, 4 are in Panat Nikhom, 3 are in Ban Bueng, 1 is in Nongyai, 6 are from provinces who sought treatment in Chonburi and 29 are being identified to the places where they live.

Of those 141, 54 are from the Flintstones Pub in the Don Hualor sub-district in Mueang Chonburi where a recent cluster has been identified.

As for the other cases:

• 4 infected from Class 99 pub
• 1 infected from Bone Pattaya
• 3 from Na Pa
• 2 infected from a family who went to Motor show event in Bangkok
• 1 staffer from the Symphony pub
• 4 patients from Rayong and 1 patient from Nonthaburi who sought treatment in Chonburi
• 4 infected from nightclubs in Bangkok
• 1 infected from a person who went to nightclub in Samut Prakan
• 6 people from previous confirmed cases who are being identified as to the exact source of infection
• 60 people are being identified sourced of infection

Of those 264 so far, 90 of them this week are from the Flintstones Pub in the Don Hualor sub-district in Mueang Chonburi where a recent cluster has been identified.

2,410 tests of contacts are currently pending results this morning locally. This includes proactive testing at entertainment venues.

Chonburi officials advise everyone to wear masks, avoid crowded areas, and socially distance while remaining calm.

The following announcement was released yesterday evening (April 9^th) addressing Covid – 19 precautions and high risk venues in all of the Chonburi area.

Read more about our previous story in the link below.

Chonburi governor releases closing orders for province and other restrictions for Covid – 19 precautions

How party fever in Bangkok’s decadent nightlife scene spawned Thailand’s 3rd wave. The fun of Thailand’s nightlife has sent new COVID-19 infections soaring over the past few weeks. Since March 22, clubgoers and staff have spread the highly contagious UK variant to more than 500 people across the country. PBS World



 

By Thai PBS World's General Desk

 

The fun of Thailand's nightlife has sent new COVID-19 infections soaring over the past few weeks. Since March 22, clubgoers and staff have spread the highly contagious UK variant to more than 500 people across the country.

 

In response, the government announced the closure of all entertainment venues in 41 provinces. As Thais pray that the cluster does not unleash an uncontrollable third wave of COVID-19, critics are complaining loudly that Thailand has failed to learn a lesson.

 

Pubs and bars have been the source of several outbreaks before, but efforts to prevent transmission of the virus have apparently been lacking.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/how-party-fever-in-bangkoks-decadent-nightlife-scene-spawned-thailands-3rd-wave/

 

 



Covid fear halves holiday travel. An estimated 50,000 people poured out of Bangkok on buses to their home provinces on Friday, about half the predicted figure for the traditional Songkran rush, due to fears over the latest wave of Covid-19 infections. Bangkok Post

Covid fear halves holiday travel

Mask-clad people wait to board their bus at Mor Chit terminal in the capital. Fewer people are heading to the provinces for the Songkran holidays as the fresh outbreak of Covid-19 has put a dampneer on the mood for celebration. Bus drivers and conductors were instructed to practise strict health safety measures. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

An estimated 50,000 people poured out of Bangkok on buses to their home provinces on Friday, about half the predicted figure for the traditional Songkran rush, due to fears over the latest wave of Covid-19 infections.

The figure on the first day of the peak travel period from April 9-18 was released by the state-owned Transport Company, which said it had laid on enough buses to carry 100,000 people.

Interprovincial buses and vans started shuttling people home on Thursday, carrying 40,017 people in 3,443 trips, according to Transport Company president Sanyaluck Panyawatthanalikit.

The company urged customers to arrive at bus depots at least an hour or two ahead of their scheduled departure time to ease congestion.

Mr Sanyaluck said the Mor Chit 2 terminal was particularly busy yesterday as buses to the North and Northeast leave from there.

The company has been giving out refunds for tickets cancelled in the wake of the Covid resurgence; customers can also postpone their journeys.

A full refund is being offered on interprovincial bus tickets booked for April 8-18.

As of late yesterday 4,160 tickets had been refunded. They must be claimed at least three hours prior to departure.

Those who bought their tickets using the state-sponsored aid schemes, such as Rao Chana or Mor 33 Rao Rak Kan, are not eligible to obtain a refund, however, although they are allowed to postpone their trips at least three hours before their scheduled departure.

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is also offering a full refund for unused tickets reserved during the Songkran period.

SRT governor Nirut Maneephan said the full refund had to be claimed at least 24 hours before departure. Again, no refund is being offered for tickets purchased using the state-financed aid schemes, unless the purchase was made using a co-payment programme, in which case only a portion of the payment is refunded.

If, however, either the origin or destination is located in a Covid (maximum control) red-zone province, the rules are relaxed a little -- refunds can be obtained at least one hour rather than 24 hours before departure.

About 7.3 million vehicles are expected to stream on to interprovincial roads from today until April 16. 

Opinion: Thailand should consider ways for monitored home quarantine or self-isolation for Covid-19 positive patients who are asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms - Pattaya News



The following is an opinion editorial by Adam Judd.

As Thailand fights another round of Covid-19, this one appearing to come from entertainment venues and surging quickly, the current policy that all patients, regardless if they are asymptomatic or mild, must stay at a hospital, field hospital, or quarantine hotel turned into a temporary hospital needs to be re-examined.

The policy arguably helped Thailand control prior outbreaks with smaller numbers of people but as the current outbreak is of the B117 variant, which spreads faster and is more contagious according to scientific evidence, and more people are becoming infected, the policy is now facing drawbacks.

Notably, multiple reports have come out this morning from Bangkok area hospitals that they are "overwhelmed" and field hospitals are hurriedly being set up to attempt to assist with the number of patients. It's worth noting that this is not because the majority of people are very sick or need close serious medical assistance, but due to the aforementioned policy that everyone who tests positive for Covid-19, even completely asymptomatic, must stay in a hospital or comparable center for at least fourteen days.

Additionally, many reports have come out that foreign residents, especially in Phuket, are avoiding taking Covid-19 tests or disguising their timelines,primarily because of this policy. (As well as the fact that foreign nationals will need to pay for the pleasure of being quarantined for two weeks, even if asymptomatic and feeling fine, but that is a completely different topic.)

It's clear that there are advantages to both systems, but the fact is that as the number of Covid-19 cases increases putting people who have extremely mild symptoms or are completely asymptomatic in a hospital and tying up medical resources that could be used for those with moderate or serious symptoms, as well as other medical issues, needs to be examined.

Thailand has a million-person strong volunteer health worker system that was widely credited to helping keep cases low during the first round of Covid-19 and was closely involved in home to home checks and ensuring new visitors to villages and other areas performed home quarantine. By all accounts, they did very well at this task and could easily be tasked to help assist with self-isolation and check-ins for people who are asymptomatic or self-isolating with mild symptoms.

Thailand also has an extremely large police force who, although many will be busy with Songkran-related traffic measures, can also easily be utilized to check in on people and ensure they are self-isolating.

Home isolation may not work for everyone, especially those with extended families that they could put at risk, live in crowded buildings, or do not have the proper living conditions to facilitate such an agreement and these folks should still have the option to be at a field hospital or similar facility. But if someone lives alone and has the ability to self-isolate and is asymptomatic, should they not be given the option to do so? Especially if it relieves pressure on hospitals and the medical system to help those who truly need it and the fact that there are multiple options for Thai officials to track and ensure those people isolating stay home and do not leave (Even smart bands, for tracing, if needed.)

There are some early reports that the CCSA (Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration) and the Prime Minister are discussing this exact issue as you read this article, but as cases increase and people who are asymptomatic put continual pressure on hospital resources, a decision should be made sooner than later. As stated, such a decision would also encourage foreign nationals who are reluctant to come forward for fear of either a financial burden or being "stuck" in a quarantine center for two weeks if positive to do so and help resolve the current outbreak faster. 

Health Min confirms private COVID-19 vaccines imports are allowed - NNT



 

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health has reiterated it is not blocking private organizations from importing COVID-19 vaccines, pointing out it has already registered three for the process and is considering a fourth.

 

Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Dr. Paisan Dankhum said today there are no blockages to private sector members importing COVID-19 vaccine and encouraged such organizations to seek registration.

 

He said 14 companies have so far submitted documentation for approval.

 

• Three already given the go-ahead, namely AstraZeneca (Thailand), the Government Pharmaceutical Organization and Janssen-Cilag.
• Biogenetech is currently being vetted.
• Another 10 companies have yet to submit all needed documentation to the FDA and will be reviewed in terms of safety, quality and efficacy.

 

The administration has created an express channel for consideration but is maintaining international standards with the process taking up to 30 days from document submission.

 

Hospitals are allowed to utilize the imported vaccines of private firms but must register recipients due to the emergency nature of their use so that any side effects can be tracked.

 

Meanwhile, Director of the National Vaccine Institute Dr. Nakorn Premsri addressed questions to do with the mutated strain of the COVID-19 virus and its vaccine, saying negotiations to receive the specific inoculation would at the soonest mean shots becoming available in October. He said careful consideration of the circumstances is needed as viruses are constantly evolving.

 



Domestic COVID-19 cases April 9th. NBT



BANGKOK (NNT) - Consumer spending may drop up to 100 billion baht if a new coronavirus outbreak lasts for two months, possibly sinking the economy in the current quarter.



   

BANGKOK (NNT) - Consumer spending may drop up to 100 billion baht if a new coronavirus outbreak lasts for two months, possibly sinking the economy in the current quarter.

 

By Subhabhong Rarueysong

 

University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce president Thanavath Phonvichai said as the country deals with a new wave of infections and the presence of a highly transmissible variant first identified in Britain, sentiment is expected to drop for at least three months before picking up if the Covid-19 situation eases quickly.

 

He expected the outbreak to be controlled within two months and for consumer spending to be cut by 60 billion baht to 100 billion baht, or 0.3-0.5% of gross domestic product (GDP). There is a risk that the economy will shrink in the second quarter, rather than grow 1-2% as earlier forecast.

 

Growth this year could be only 2.0-2.5%, not 2.8% as earlier predicted, if the outbreak cannot be contained within two months.

 

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - At least 12 hospitals in Thailand's capital, Bangkok, said as of Friday they were suspending testing for COVID-19 due to high demand and shortage of supplies, amid a new spike in cases.



FILE PHOTO: Local residents queue for a COVID-19 nasal swab test after hundreds of residents of Watthana district and the trendy Thonglor neighborhood tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Bangkok, Thailand, April 8, 2021. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - At least 12 hospitals in Thailand's capital, Bangkok, said as of Friday they were suspending testing for COVID-19 due to high demand and shortage of supplies, amid a new spike in cases.

 

The hospitals issued notices on their social media and on messaging apps this week, some saying the suspension would last only a few days and others giving no date for resumption of tests.

 

Bangkok is at the epicentre of a new outbreak in Thailand that has seen new cases go from only a few dozen per day to several hundred per day, prompting the government to scramble to boost testing and trace new cases.

 

The government has been hosting its own mass testing in districts of Bangkok where clusters have been reported, mostly involving bars or entertainment venues that have been ordered closed for two weeks.

 

Thailand reported 405 new COVID-19 infections on Thursday, and nearly a third of cabinet ministers are self-isolating due to potential exposure to cases.

 

The spike in infections comes at a tricky time for Thailand, ahead of next week's annual Songkran festival, known for big gatherings and notoriously crowded water fights that authorities have banned.

 

Thailand on Wednesday confirmed the presence locally of the highly transmissible coronavirus variant B.1.1.7 first identified in Britain.

 

(Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um and Patpicha Tanankasempipat; Writing by Kay Johnson; Editing by Ed Davies, Martin Petty)

 

 

9/4. 4-stegs planen på att öppna upp landet ser inte så lovande ut nu. (Min egen åsikt )



Chonburi informs people who visited places in relation to confirmed Chonburi Covid – 19 cases - The Pattaya News



 Chonburi informs people who visited places in relation to confirmed Chonburi Covid – 19 cases

Friday, 9 April 2021, 10:56

Chonburi –

The Chonburi Public Heath Office last night (April 8^th) has released another timeline to inform people who went to specific places last month and this month to notify health authorities and monitor their health. The following is an English translation of the release.

1. Food court in Tesco Lotus Borwin in Si Racha on April 1^st from 5:15 P.M to 5:40 P.M..
2. Kiss Si Racha Nakhon 6 on April 4^th from 9:00 P.M. 11:00 P.M..
3. Jaew Shabu By Ball in Borwin, Si Racha on April 4^th from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M..
4. So + Fitness new market in Panat Nikhom on April 4^th to April 7^th from 8:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.
5. Children's playground Pacific Park mall fourth floor in Si Racha on April 5^th from 3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M..
6. Mu Kata buffet near the beach in the Surasak sub-district on April 6th from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M..

If anyone has problems with respiratory symptoms and/or fever within 14 days from when they had visited those places this month, they must go to a hospital, according to the Chonburi Public Health Office.

Please inform the hospital that you visited the same place as a Covid-19 confirmed case, they continued.

The Chonburi Public Health Department PR announced 34 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 this morning, April 9th, 2021.

Chonburi adds 34 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 this morning

Covid-19 Test. The Nation



Chonburi adds 34 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 this morning. Of the district cases, 12 are in Mueang Chonburi, 5 in Si Racha, 9 in Banglamung, 1 in Sattahip, 1 in Ban Bueng, 3 in Pan Thong, and 3 from other provinces who sought treatment in Chonburi. Pattaya News

Chonburi adds 34 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 this morning

Friday, 9 April 2021, 9:33

Chonburi-

The Chonburi Public Health Department PR announced 34 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 this morning, April 9th, 2021.

Of the district cases, 12 are in Mueang Chonburi, 5 in Si Racha, 9 in Banglamung, 1 in Sattahip, 1 in Ban Bueng, 3 in Pan Thong, and 3 from other provinces who sought treatment in Chonburi.

691 tests of contacts are currently pending results this morning locally. This includes proactive testing at entertainment venues.

Fifteen of them are from the Flintstones Pub in the Don Hualor sub-district in Mueang Chonburi where a recent cluster has been identified.

As for the other cases:

A family member of one person infected with COVID-19

• 1 Voice Bar employee
• A family member of an infected person who went to an entertainment place in Bangkok, 1 person
• One person who lives in Bangkok and came to Chonburi.
• Two confirmed patients from Crystal Pub in Bangkok.
• Is an entertainment venue employee in Bangkok, 1 person
• 2 confirmed patients who went to the TOPONE Club in Bangkok
• Pending investigation 10 cases (8 Thai citizens, 2 Chinese nationals)

Chonburi officials advise everyone to wear masks, avoid crowded areas, and socially distance while remaining calm. The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration is set to make national announcements, including potentially around further restrictions, at 11:30 A.M. Chonburi officials are due to meet at 2:00 P.M.

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Airlines nervous over Songkran. Airlines are urging the government to shut down domestic travel during the Songkran holiday period to prevent a third wave of Covid-19, or else Thailand's tourism will risk losing more over the long run. Bangkok Post

Airlines nervous over Songkran

Tassapon Bijleveld, executive chairman of Asia Aviation, the largest shareholder of Thai AirAsia (TAA).

Airlines are urging the government to shut down domestic travel during the Songkran holiday period to prevent a third wave of Covid-19, or else Thailand's tourism will risk losing more over the long run.

With the fresh outbreak starting to spread from entertainment hubs in Bangkok to 20 provinces, the contagion must be nipped in the bud as the long holiday next week will see a mass exodus, particularly of people returning to their hometowns and holidaymakers, said Tassapon Bijleveld, executive chairman of Asia Aviation, the largest shareholder of Thai AirAsia (TAA).

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration on Thursday announced that there will be no lockdown during the traditional New Year celebrations as millions of people have already planned their trips.

However, each province still has the authority to impose its own travel restrictions, such as mandatory quarantine for inter-provincial travellers, if there are risks of virus exposure.

Mr Tassapon said the spike of cases at this time is worrisome as it challenged the government on how to contain the virus when people still continued with their trips.

Most TAA passengers are sticking with their plans. The average load factor next week will hit 80-85%, while the airline recently called almost all furloughed staff back to their posts.

"There won't be a third wave if the government can stop it earlier. It should consider imposing strict travel restrictions. Even though the tourism industry may lose lucrative income, we have to accept it if that would be benefit the whole country," he said.

"That would be better than facing another nationwide lockdown afterwards," said Mr Tassapon.

Thailand has set the reopening date for inoculated tourists, starting in July with Phuket as the first destination to remove mandatory quarantine from entry requirements.

He added that travel restrictions are necessary for the country as long as the vaccination programme rollout remains slow.

For instance, employees in the aviation industry who have already been vaccinated are just those who work in high-risk areas or those residing in Phuket where 70% of TAA's staff have been vaccinated.

Nuntaporn Komonsittivate, head of commercial operations at Thai Lion Air (TLA), said travel restrictions are reasonable for the ongoing situation because the infection clusters are not easily controllable like the labour clusters in Samut Sakhon late last year.

From the latest outbreak, people that were infected tend to travel around which increased the risk of the virus spreading to wider areas.

"Travel restrictions won't be good for airlines, but in the meantime, we should prioritise long-term benefits instead of short-term revenue," she said.

TLA forecasts a load factor of over 70% next week, but it expects that some guests may cancel their trips if the number of new cases escalates in the next few days.



Virologist believes British strain of Covid-19 brought in from Cambodia -The Nation



By The Nation

Judging by the fact that the UK strain of the Covid-19 virus has affected more than 1,500 people in Cambodia since February 20, expert virologist Dr Yong Poovorawan believes it may have been brought into Thailand by people crossing the border.

The UK strain was recently found among the recent cluster of cases that emerged in entertainment venues in Thonglor.

Dr Yong said it is unlikely that the strain had been brought in by people coming via official channels because everybody is tested and quarantined for 14 days.

He said Cambodia is still struggling with infections, and it is likely that migrant workers or Thais sneaking across the border may have been carriers of this strain, which is 1.7 times more infectious. 

Now that Thailand faces a third wave of Covid-19 infections and many hospitals announced on Thursday that they were running out of beds, the premier instructed the Defence Ministry to set up field hospitals for more than 3,000 patients in Bangkok and its vicinity. The Nation

File Photo

Now that Thailand faces a third wave of Covid-19 infections and many hospitals announced on Thursday that they were running out of beds, the premier instructed the Defence Ministry to set up field hospitals for more than 3,000 patients in Bangkok and its vicinity.

Defence Ministry spokesman Lt-General Kongcheep Tantrawanich said 10 military units have been provided with medical personnel to support the field hospitals.

The Army is looking into turning a military camp into a field hospital in case the situation worsens and infections expand.