COVID-19

Thailand Extends the Period of Emergency Situation Declaration

The Cabinet, during its meeting on 28 April 2020, approved the extension of the period of emergency situation declaration in all areas of the Kingdom for one more month, from 1 to 31 May 2020.

The emergency situation declaration was issued on 25 March 2020, in accordance with the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situation B.E. 2548 (2005), and it was in effect from 26 March to 30 April 2020.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha stated that the extension was necessary to effectively control the COVID-19 infection, which was still serious in many countries. Several measures and regulations will remain in place, such as the closure of points of entry into the Kingdom and a nationwide curfew from 22.00 to 04.00 hr.

People are still being urged to avoid unnecessary travel between provinces. They are prohibited from entering areas or places that are prone to infection from COVID-19. Large public gatherings are not allowed. The public has also been urged to keep practicing physical distancing. The temporary ban on all international passenger flights to Thailand has been extended until 31 May 2020.

In the next step, some restrictions will be gradually relaxed in four stages every 14 days. Emphasis is placed on activities necessary for the daily life of the people, in accordance with the guidelines set by the Ministry of Public Health.

At the same meeting, the Cabinet did not cancel four public holidays in May – Labor Day on 1 May, Coronation Day on 4 May, Visakha Puja Day (Day of Vesak) on 6 May, and Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day on 11 May.