NAKHON SI THAMMARAT: The curfew in this southern province will be extended by two more hours from Friday night in an attempt to contain a spike of new Covid-19 infections.
Provincial governor Kraisorn Wisitwong said the expanded curfew would cover the entire province until the coronavirus spread is under control.
The new curfew hours are 10pm to 4am, instead of 11pm to 3am.
Only rubber farmers, who typically tap their trees long before dawn, and those with other essential duties would be exempted from the ban, he said.
The extension was ordered as the virus surge continued in the province. New infections more than doubled from 266 on Wednesday to 665 on Friday. Muang district was hit the hardest with 216 new cases.
Friday’s number will be added to the daily national report of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration on Saturday.
The governor warned of stern action against curfew violators.
The tougher restrictions in Nakhon Si Thammarat come as authorities prepare to end curfews in Bangkok and 16 other provinces at the end of the month.
Four southern provinces — Songkhla, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Yala and Pattani — on Friday recorded the highest number of coronavirus cases outside of Bangkok.
