Thailand extends emergency rule against pandemic

Bangkok, May 22 (IANS) Thailand on Friday extended the emergency rule against the COVID-19 pandemic until the end of June.

The Center for the COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), headed by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, resolved to extend the emergency rule until the end of June, confirmed Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak.

The emergency rule as well as curfew was earlier scheduled to last until the end of May, reports Xinhua news agency.

During Friday’s CCSA meeting at Government House, Prayut raised concerns over health security measures for which the emergency rule extension, proposed by the National Security Council, was approved by the CCSA.

Nevertheless, the CCSA is yet to consider further easing up anti-pandemic measures, including the planned reduction in curfew hours to last between 12 a.m. and 4 a.m., compared to the currently-imposed curfew hours between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. daily.

Thailand, which has confirmed 3,037 infections and 56 deaths so far, is currently in the second phase of ease in measures amid decreasing number of fresh cases.

–IANS

ksk/