No Filipino have been affected by the recent rise of COVID-19 cases in Thailand, according to Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Millicent Paredes.
In an Inquirer.net news article, Ambassador Paredes made the remark on Wednesday following a recent spike in COVID 19 cases among several Southeast Asian countries including Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand.
In an interview over at Radyo 630, Paredes said that the embassy has not received any news that there are Filipinos affected by the surge in COVID 19 cases. “No one has reached out to us that they are presently confined, so I would presume no one is affected”, the ambassador said.
There are over 40,000 Filipinos in Thailand, with most working in the education sector as English language teachers. This work environment exposes Filipinos to COVID 19 as they deal with students from various exposures and backgrounds.
“We have not receieved any report, and I hope it remains that way. I hope our Filipino community doesn’t get affected because, as you know, there are 40,000 Filipinos in the entire Kingdom of Thailand, most of whom are English teachers”, said the ambassador.
In terms of the Kingdom’s preparedness for the surge, Paredes in all praises to the Thai governmenyt saying that they are prepared with the rising trend. She also urged Filipinos who are affected to approach the embassy should they need assistance.
Health Secretary Tedoro Herbosa earlier assured the public that there is still no reason to be alarmed despite the rise in COVID 19 cases in several Asian countries.