Bangkok-
The spokesperson for the Thai Government confirmed this afternoon that the Thai Cabinet had finalized the previously approved extension of the Emergency Decree through the month of August, albeit with a removal of the ban on public assembly.
The Emergency Decree, which gives the Thai Government sweeping powers to control the situation with the Covid19 Coronavirus, was approved to be extended by the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration, National Security Council and Prime Minister earlier this month. The Cabinet have now made it official, although at this point the decision, along with the upcoming printing in the Royal Gazette, is largely a formality.
The extension of the emergency decree, however, removes the ban on mass gatherings and public assemblies that government critics claim was being used to control opposition protests and gatherings.
The extension will last until the end of August. The Thai Government says it is a nessacary measure due to the virus still being a threat across the world and to properly control quarantine and border measures for people returning and entering Thailand. Opponents, however, claim that exisiting disease control laws are sufficient enough to handle the process.
The Thai Cabinet normally meets every Tuesday but met today due to the holiday weekend previously.