They were doing so well, winning points even from the most skeptical of electorates for maintaining non-existent Coronavirus infections and effectively putting people under state quarantine upon returning to Thailand.
Yesterday, three new cases of Coronavirus were reported in Thailand; with two Thais and one Egyptian reported to have been infected with the virus.
The Egyptian soldier arrived in Thailand on Wednesday 8th July and tested positive on Sunday 12th in Rayong. The thing was, the Egyptian soldier and 30 crew members stayed at a state quarantine hotel in Rayong from their arrival on Wednesday, and some went out shopping during that time frame. When the news broke out, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration refused to disclose where that group went during their stay in Thailand.
This should have been public information, especially when all Thais have been diligently wearing masks, complying with rules and more.
The 30 crew members have tested negative for the Coronavirus.
What else? It has also been reported that a 9 year old Sudanese girl who has travelled to Thailand with her family of diplomats tested positive for the Coronavirus. She has already been included in the 14 cases reported on 11th July, but more news were reported on this event just last night.
The family have been “quarantining” at an undisclosed condo in Sukhumvit, as part of a special waiver that doesn’t require them to be under proper state quarantine.
On this flight with the 9 year old, there were 245 passengers and 12 just tested positive late last night. 47 are kept under close watch.
What does this show? Information sharing, transparency and a more strategic approach to letting in visitors from overseas is incredibly important. Chances are, Covid-19 tests prior to flying doesn’t fully indicate the overall health.
What’s next? Keep living life as normal, wear masks every time we go out, wash hands frequently and keep doing what we’re doing as we wait to see what the government’s next steps will be.