The Thai government is considering another extension to the emergency decree, which is due to end on July 31st, according to the spokesman for the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), Taweesilp Visanuyothin.
The statement was made on Sunday while Dr. Visanuyothin was taking questions from reporters about a range of issues, including rumors that the Thai government had allowed people infected with covid-19 into the country on purpose.
According to a Facebook page called “Mam Pho Dam,” the Thai government is plotting to trigger a small second wave of coronavirus infections, which would allow them to extend the emergency decree and prevent further protests and demonstrations.
Under the emergency decree, large public gatherings, including protests, are banned and may result in demonstrators facing charges under for violating the emergency law.
However, despite this, thousands gathered at Victory Monument in Bangkok over the weekend to protest against the ruling Thai government.
The CCSA spokesman flatly denied claims of allowing foreigners and returnees infected with covid-19 into Thailand purposefully to deter anti-government protesters. Dr. Visanuyothin said:
“The Mam Pho Dam Facebook page has claimed that a plot is under way to import infected people to trigger a second small wave of infections and extend the emergency decree to prevent student protests.”
He continued by saying that a range of factors is taken into account when considering whether or not to extend the state of emergency. These include information on public health, national security, and the economic impact of any extension to the emergency law.
The spokesman also emphasized that Thai returnees have been allowed to come back so they can go about their business, which in turn helps the economy.
A meeting of the CCSA’s subcommittee is scheduled to take place later this week when a recommendation about whether or not to extend the emergency decree will be made.
Meanwhile, the Disease Control Department (DDC) has reported that there have been no positive covid-19 results from tests carried out in Bangkok and Rayong following public concern over the arrival of an infected young girl and Egyptian soldier in both locations.
More than 5,000 people have been tested so far in both locations.
Source: Bangkok Post
