BANGKOK (NNT) – A meeting of Thailand’s cabinet yesterday has approved a proposal to enforce an Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations for one month, to cope with the spread of COVID-19.
The Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, said the cabinet meeting, which was held via video conference for the first time, endorsed measures to control and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The meeting agreed to declare a state of emergency from March 26 to April 26, 2020, and a COVID-19 center for the resolution of the emergency situation will oversee the operations.
Heads of government agencies are tasked with developing solutions and proposing them to the Prime Minister for further consideration. All relevant units will integrate their work, and related committees will be set up once the decree is in force. A meeting of all units will take place every day at 9:30 a.m. They will provide information and updates to the general public. The government will make announcements to support the country’s efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Gen. Prayut said the government is doing everything in the interest of the people, and asked everyone to cooperate, following the declaration of the state of emergency. People in risk areas should not return to their home provinces at this time. If they have to travel, they are required to go through the screening process. It is important for the public to receive information from the government only.
The Prime Minister assured the public that government has been making preparations, such as setting up field hospitals and making sure that there are enough medical supplies.
The Prime Minister briefly addressed the nation this afternoon but stated that the measures being taken would be revealed tomorrow morning and not this evening.
Government opposition parties have been calling for transparency and clarity on what measures would be used and when.
