
The state of emergency may stretch beyond June 30th despite earlier promises that it would finish at the end of this month, according to Deputy Prime Minister, Wissanu Krea-ngam.
Mr. Krea-ngam said that due to extended holidays planned for next month, in addition to schools opening again and airports reopening, the government is considering extending the emergency decree.
He did, however, promise that restrictions will continue to be reduced, including lifting the night curfew and easing the restrictions on gatherings, if the decree continues beyond June 30th, saying:
“It is possible to extend the imposition of the emergency decree. It is being considered. The choice is to either extend or end it. However, measures will be reduced. For example, the curfew will be lifted, and crowd gathering will be allowed. The emergency decree may remain in effect for the sake of swift solutions.”
He continued by saying that the government requires the emergency decree to integrate operations among the police, military, and civil servants in emergency situations.
He also mentioned that local officials would need to approve each inter-provincial traveler without the state of emergency in place and pay for their quarantine.
Currently, the government pays for the transportation of arrivals to a state quarantine facility and pays for the bill.
Mr. Krea-ngam also mentioned that if the emergency decree remained in place, places including beaches and schools could close swiftly if an infection is detected.
The topic will be up for discussion over the next few days, with a decision likely to be announced within the next two weeks.
Source: TNA