PATTANI, 13 April 2020:
The Thai Interior Ministry is allowing its citizens who are still stranded at the Malaysian border to return if they meet the required conditions starting April 18.
A letter to the Thai Foreign Ministry permanent secretary Chatchai Promlert stated Thai nationals would be allowed to re-enter their country via 23 border posts with 100 people at each gate daily.
The letter said about 100 Thais would be allowed to return through the border checkpoint at Sadao in Songkhla and Sg Kolok in Narathiwat daily while 50 people are allowed at the Betong checkpoint in Yala, and Wang Prachandi in Satun.
“Those who want to return have to register with the home ministry of the province before leaving.
“Apart from that, they need to have the necessary health and travel certificates from the embassy or consulate office as well as the requirement to undergo a 14-day quarantine.”
Meanwhile, Thai authorities are stepping up patrols in Thai-Malaysian waters to prevent Thai nationals stranded in Malaysia from sneaking in following the closure of all border checkpoints between the two countries.
Following the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia, thousands of Thais working in Malaysia wanted to return home since March 23 when all nine border checkpoints between the two countries were closed.
It is learned that Thai nationals who were working without valid permit or overstaying in Malaysia have attempted to return illegally with fishing boats.
Pattani deputy governor, Somnuk Promkeaw said marine police and Pattani Immigration Department are intensifying patrols to prevent Thais from returning illegally.
Thailand yesterday recorded 33 new Covid-19 cases, which included seven doctors and medical personnel, as well as three more deaths, bringing the tally to 2,551 cases and 38 fatalities since the outbreak surfaced in the kingdom in January.
It is the lowest number of daily infections recorded in April, and it is also marks the fourth straight day of decline since 111 cases were reported on April 8.
Thailand recorded the highest daily increase – 188 confirmed cases – on March 22.
Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) spokesman, Thaweesilp Wissanuyothin said the latest fatalities were two Thai men aged 74 and 44, and a Thai woman aged 65. The trio had underlying chronic health conditions.
Since Thailand imposed a six-hour night curfew from 10pm to 4am on April 3, he said the number of new Covid-19 cases reported continued to decrease except for 111 new cases on April 8, which included 42 Thais returning from Indonesia the same day (April 8).
“We could control the situation as the people are giving good cooperation to curb the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we cannot let our guard down. We should continue to practice social distancing and stay home,” he said at his daily briefing.
Of the 2,551 Covid-19 cases, 1,218 have been discharged from hospitals and returned home.
To date, the deadly virus has spread to 68 of the 77 provinces in the kingdom. Bangkok recorded the highest number of cases with 1,294 followed by Phuket (176), Nonthaburi (148), Samut Prakan (106), Yala (82) and Pattani (77). A total of 81 doctors and medical personnel were infected.
As the government has cancelled this year Songkran celebration, he urged the people not to splash water on each other as it poses risk for spreading the deadly virus.
Besides that, he said a total of 72 provinces have also banned sales of alcoholic beverages to discourage festivities and prevent gatherings during Songkran.
He said legal action including a fine of 100,000 baht and a one-year jail term will be imposed on those who joined social gatherings during Songkran.
– Bernama