The Thai Cabinet has extended Thailand’a state of emergency for a second time until the end of June, reported Bangkok Post.
The step is needed to lower the risk of another wave of illness as a lockdown is eased, spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat said Tuesday after the Cabinet backed the move. The emergency imposed late March gives Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha sweeping powers, including a ban on large gatherings that prevents anti-government protests of the kind seen before the virus hit.
The administration is loosening the lockdown in stages to restart the economy and reiterated the emergency is an apolitical tool to counter the pathogen. The opposition argues less strict legislation can manage the outbreak. It’s also raised the prospect of asking a court about the lawfulness of bills earmarking 1.9 trillion baht in stimulus to fight a recession.
Read more at Bangkok Post