Thailand announces 279 new domestic cases of Covid-19, 2 additional deaths

Bangkok, Thailand-

The spokesperson for the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration, Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, announced 279 new cases of Covid-19 this morning at a press conference in Bangkok.

He also announced two deaths, a 44-year-old obese Thai man with health issues in Bangkok who was contact traced from a bar and a 70-year-old Thai man in Tak who had returned to Thailand illegally from Myanmar on November 29th. He had been treated and confirmed with Covid-19 on December 4th and had reportedly recovered, however passed away last night and doctors are considering the case Covid-19 related, despite having tested recently negative.

Thailand has had a total of 7,163 cases of Covid-19 in total since the pandemic began. 4,273 people have been treated and recovered, 2,827 people remain in treatment/under observation/in migrant dormitories for the virus currently. There have now been a total of 63 deaths. 16 of today’s cases are migrant workers and 5 are imported cases from people returning to Thailand from overseas.

Dr. Taweesin also specifically said that he suggests provinces with high numbers of cases, including Rayong and Chonburi, offer only take-away dining. Chonburi reversed an order just yesterday banning in person dining to allow restaurants to re-open. The final decision, however, rests with governors.

Chonburi was stated as having 51 new confirmed cases today, however, The Pattaya News has a policy to wait for confirmation and details from the Chonburi Public Health Office which should be coming shortly. Rayong was announced as having 37 new confirmed cases. Dr. Taweesin mentioned the Chonburi cases are directly linked with Rayong and a large cluster of cases originating from alleged illegal gambling.

Finally, Dr. Taweesin also said some of the patients in Chonburi and Rayong were not being truthful and clear about their timelines, mostly out of concern for alleged illegal practices and visiting alleged illegal places. He stated the CCSA was only concerned with Covid-19 and people should not be afraid to step forward as they will not face legal charges, but could face repercussions if not clear about their behavior and places visited.