Here’s the official press release on the Extension of Emergency Situation Declaration, posted on Thai Public Relations Department (PRD).
The Cabinet on 5 January 2021 approved the extension of the period of the enforcement of the Declaration of an Emergency Situation in all areas of the Kingdom from 16 January to 28 February 2021 in order to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
The decision was made following a proposal by the Office of the National Security Council, as the coordinating office of the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). The Cabinet had earlier extended the enforcement of the declaration from 1 December 2020 to 15 January 2021.
According to the Office of the National Security Council, the global situation of the COVID-19 outbreak remains severe in many parts of the world, and several countries in Europe has enforced stringent measures against the disease again. The World Health Organization believes that the COVID-19 situation will become more severe.
Thailand is experiencing a new wave of COVID-19 outbreak in many areas across the country. The number of infected persons, both Thais and foreign workers in Thailand, is increasing. The number of deaths might also increase. Some infected persons concealed their travel history from medical workers, making it difficult to handle the situation effectively.
CCSA, during its meeting on 4 January, deemed it necessary to continue the Declaration of an Emergency Situation in all areas of the Kingdom, under the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations B.E. 2548 (2005), so that responsible officials would have sufficient power to set more stringent preventive and social measures to stem the spread of COVID-19, for the safety of the people.
CCSA reported on 5 January 2021 that the total number of cumulative COVID-19 infections in Thailand was 8,966, with 4,397 recoveries, and 4,504 are still in hospital. The number of deaths was 65.
Source: Thai PRD