To combat COVID-19, Governor Thatchakorn Hatthathayakun of Buri Ram has ordered a lockdown of the entire province, various Thai media reported.
The announcement was made at 12.59 PM on Monday, March 16. Buri Ram is the first province to implement a lockdown without waiting for a government order.
All people entering the province – both foreigners and local residents – will be required to undergo strict screening and then self isolation for 14 days. Authorities and volunteers will check up on them. Those with fevers will be sent to hospitals, said Bangkok Post.
All activities gathering more than 50 people in one venue – including seminars, entertainment events, religious ceremonies, summer courses and talad nad (roaming markets) – are banned for 30 days, or any further change.
“Violators will be subject to legal action,” governor Thatchakorn warned.
Buri Ram governor has ordered a lockdown of the province, applying public health measures to implement the decision. #BangkokPost #Thailand #COVID19 #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/nJ0TYAyt5S
— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) March 16, 2020
Buri Ram Province is one of Thailand’s seventy-six provinces lies in lower northeastern Thailand also called Isan. Neighboring provinces are (from south clockwise) Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, and Surin.
This is a developing story.
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Sources: Matichon, Thairath, Thaipost
Translator: Jon Joe (Thai national)