Management at a Bangkok condominium complex refused entry to a “Western diplomat” on Thursday as restrictions tighten following the positive testing of a Sudanese diplomat’s daughter for covid-19 earlier this week.
The country of origin for the diplomat in question was not specified by the Foreign Ministry spokesman, Cherdkiat Atthakor. She was simply referred to as a “Western diplomat” or diplomat from the European Union (EU).
Some Thai media reported that the diplomat was Estonian. However, the Estonian consul-general in Bangkok, Dr. Virachai Techavijit, denied that the diplomat was from the Baltic nation and said she was a diplomat of the EU.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson explained that the diplomat had returned from leave in her home country and landed on a flight from Frankfurt, Germany, at Suvarnabhumi airport at 2 pm on Thursday.
After landing at Suvarnabhumi airport, she had undergone all proper procedures, including a test for covid-19 and waiting in the airport until the result was made available. She tested negative and was permitted to leave the airport.
The diplomat then proceeded to a condominium complex on Sukhumvit Soi 20 in the Khlong Toei district that was assigned for quarantine by her embassy. However, upon arrival, management refused to let the woman enter.
After a standoff, the Foreign Ministry arranged for the woman to move to an alternative state quarantine hotel for the night.
Mr. Atthakor emphasized that while ambassadors and diplomats are not VIPs, they are afforded some immunity, according to the Vienna Convention. However, he continued by stating that they must follow the same rules as everyone else, saying:
“Measures are being tightened for diplomats. Right now, this is a transitional period.”
Source: The Nation
