Thailand bars access as point out of emergency bites
26 March, 2020
Thailand barred entry in to the kingdom late on Wednesday (Mar 25), enacting sweeping emergency powers found in a bid to stem the neighborhood spread of the coronavirus outbreak.
The measures, which stopped short of a complete lockdown after days of vacillation by the federal government, certainly are a hammer blow to the country's vital tourism sector.
Tens of thousands of travellers stay in the kingdom, facing uncertainty with airlines in chaos and restrictions on go back to their countries.
Bangkok, a town of 10 million, was hushed on Wednesday seeing as shops and restaurants shuttered, and Buddhist monks seated a good metre apart led a great anti-virus prayer program televised nationwide.
But cultural media showed thousands of foreigners jammed in chaotic lines at the capital's immigration office to apply for visa extensions.
The Royal Gazette announced on Wednesday night that authorities would "close all checkpoints and gates" because of its land borders, while entry by air and ship will also be halted.
Diplomats and returning Thais who have health certificates it's still allowed to return.
All gatherings are as well outlawed, and authorities have asked vulnerable persons - just like the elderly - stay home.
But festive ceremonies, like weddings or family actions, may continue under rules issued by the federal government.
Authorities also banned "reports of untrue news that could bring about fear", under penalty of up to 2 yrs in prison.
The state of emergency will continue until Apr 30.
Thailand currently has 934 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including four deaths.
The highly infectious virus has killed even more 18,000 globally, spurring governments to introduce harsh measures forbidding citizens from departing their homes.
The kingdom was the first country to confirm a case outside China in January, but incremental measures were taken because of its flagging economy's reliance on tourism.
The tripling in cases in the last week has sent Thais in a panic, and many took to social media to criticise the government's spotty containment measures.
Premier Prayut Chan-o-cha warned earlier Wednesday against sharing "false news" - a rebuke approaching days after a guy was arrested for a Facebook content complaining of lax airport checks.
Thailand has during the past enacted emergency regulations to quell political riots, which critics mention could possibly be used to muzzle the press.
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