Non-Thai nationals arriving from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal are now included in an entry ban to prevent the spread of the so-called Indian variant of Covid-19. The ban was first introduced to arrivals from India late last month amid the escalating crisis in that country. It has now been extended to three more South Asian countries as the government is trying to prevent the import of the highly contagious variant B.1.617.1.
The ban applies to all non-Thais leaving or crossing these countries. Tanee Sangrat of the State Department said the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration requested an extension of the ban after it was discovered that a Thai woman who had arrived from Pakistan was infected with the variant in quarantine.
“The CCSA has confirmed reports that 1 traveler from Pakistan to Thailand was infected with the variant of Covid-19, which was first discovered in India. At the CCSA meeting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was therefore asked to temporarily suspend the issuance of COEs to all foreigners traveling from countries where this variant is widespread. In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will follow the recommendations of the CCSA and temporarily suspend the issuance of COEs to all foreigners traveling to Thailand from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. “
Tanee adds that the ban does not apply to Thai nationals who can still return from any of the above countries.
“Thai nationals, missionaries in Thailand and their families, and permanent residents traveling from these countries can still return to Thailand if they wish.”
A Thai woman who returned to the kingdom from Pakistan on April 24 was infected with the highly contagious strain, as was one of her young sons who traveled with her. Another 2 sons tested negative. All 4 were in state quarantine during the test.
Further tests at Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital confirmed the strain was B.1.617.1, with Thiravat Hemachudha of Chulalongkorn University telling people to be vigilant. He says B.1.617.1 is worrying and indicates that 4 people in Israel, all of whom were fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine, tested positive for the variant.
“Thailand needs to be vigilant even if we can reach our vaccination target by the end of the year. If there is a mutated version that vaccines can dodge, the problem remains. “
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
Do you want more from the Thaiger family?
📱 Download our app on Android or iOS for instant updates on your phone
📧 Subscribe to our daily email newsletter
👍 Like / Follow us on Facebook
🔔 Subscribe or join our YouTube channel for daily video updates