Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peter Szijjarto, tested positive for the coronavirus after arriving in Thailand on an official visit, Thai and Hungarian officials said Wednesday.
Thai Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Szijjarto and his 12-member delegation were tested after their arrival Tuesday from Cambodia, but only the foreign minister was found to be infected.
He said Szijjarto, who was tested twice, was sent to Thailand’s Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute for treatment pending his planned evacuation later Wednesday by plane back to his homeland.
The 42-year-old foreign minister will return on one plane and the other members of his party in a separate aircraft, Anutin said.
The Hungarian delegation was supposed to have a two-day visit aimed at strengthening ties, especially in economic matters. They were to pay a courtesy call on Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and meet with Szijjarto’s Thai counterpart, Don Pramudwinai, but all their appointments were canceled.
The Hungarian news agency MTI, citing the chief press officer for Hungary’s foreign ministry, confirmed that Szijjarto tested positive for the coronavirus but added that he had tested negative before leaving last month for his Asian tour.
