Thailand has banned the entry of foreigners and the government may impose a 24-hour curfew as its next step to tackle the spread of Covid-19 under the Emergency Decree which went into effect on Thursday.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced on Wednesday the country would be under a state of emergency as of Thursday until April 30, as Thailand reaches a turning point in its battle with Covid-19 transmissions.
The armed forces will set up checkpoints across the country under the Emergency Decree and 16 first-level instructions have been issued. A curfew is not imposed at this level.
However, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said a curfew might be imposed later if considered necessary.
He added that if the government does go ahead with imposing a curfew, it will be different from previous curfews which were only imposed at night.
"The curfew for Covid-19 is likely to cover 24 hours, with exceptions for individuals seeking medical treatment, those going to court or those working in broadcasting services."
Among first-level directives imposed under the Emergency Decree, foreigners are banned from entering the kingdom at all points with the exception of diplomats, shippers, drivers, pilots and others permitted by the prime minister. Thai nationals stranded in other countries will still be allowed to return provided they have a fit-to-fly health certificate.
