Covid-19 emergency decree to be enforced Thursday 26 March 2020

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has invoked the emergency decree authorizing the government to issue orders to restrict people's movement and take other special measures to manage the consequences of  Covid-19 pandemic.

In a televised address to the nation, Prayut said he had got Cabinet endorsement to exercise the powers under the emergency decree during this critical time.

Thailand has reported more than 800 Covid-19 infections with three new fatalities as healthcare experts warn the number of cases could rise exponentially unless tough actions are taken quickly.

Prayut  said enforcement of special measures will begin on Thursday and the orders will be issued directly by the prime minister in consultations with the Covid-19 pandemic taskforce of healthcare experts.

Healthcare experts have urged the government to strictly manage the people's movement especially after the March 21 closure of many businesses in Bangkok resulting in a massive return of workers to their home provinces.