Thailand requires 2-week mandatory self-quarantine for arrivals from Korea... Fines for violations

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Thai government announced that it will enforce a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for both domestic and foreign entrants arriving from six high-risk areas, including Korea and China, to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Violators will be subject to fines.

According to foreign media such as the Associated Press on the 6th, the Thai government stated that entrants traveling through or arriving from six high-risk areas?Korea, China, Hong Kong, Macao, Italy, and Iran?must submit their address and travel plans to the authorities and undergo mandatory self-quarantine for 14 days.

Longluang Kitpati, spokesperson for the Thai Ministry of Public Health, said, "Thai nationals and foreigners coming from these areas must self-isolate at home or in a hotel room for 14 days, report daily to health authorities, or be visited and tested by officials." He added that those caught violating the self-quarantine policy will be fined 20,000 baht (approximately 750,000 KRW).

The Thai government had been reluctant to restrict tourist entries due to concerns about the tourism industry, which accounts for nearly 20% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). However, as the COVID-19 outbreak continues globally, it is strengthening quarantine measures.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.