Coronavirus: Thailand extends state of emergency until May 31
Thailand is extending the state of emergency for a month until May 31, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced on Tuesday (April 28), even as new coronavirus cases in the country have been on a decline for the past few weeks.
“The extension is necessary. Many orders especially in terms of movements will remain the same, while other restrictions will be eased,” said Mr Prayut, referring to the existing lockdown measures.
“I don’t want us to go back where we were if some measures are eased and there are more infections,” he added.
The emergency decree, invoked on March 26 to give the government absolute power in issuing lockdown orders including the night time curfew to curb the spread of Covid-19, was to come to an end on April 30.
The night time curfew of between 10pm and 4am and inbound travel restrictions will remain in place.
The Cabinet however did not cancel the four public holidays in May – Labour Day on May 1, Coronation Day on May 4, Vesak Day on May 6 and Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day on May 11 – as speculated.
Hathai Techakitteranun
