Thailand Discusses Lifting South Korea and China from 'High-Risk Infectious Disease Areas'

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The Thai government is reportedly discussing a plan to exclude South Korea and China from the list of COVID-19 risk areas for the first time, according to the daily Bangkok Post on the 8th.

According to the report, during the COVID-19 Situation Management Center (CCSA) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha the previous day, this matter was discussed along with additional easing measures such as the reopening of department stores.

At the meeting, Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand's Minister of Public Health, proposed removing countries where the COVID-19 situation has eased from the 'high-risk epidemic areas' list, and after discussion, the attendees agreed to this. It appears that South Korea and China were mentioned during this process. The newspaper reported that Minister Anutin explained that lifting the designation would help normalize relations with these countries.

However, it was also agreed that the lifting of the designation should be gradual, and even if the high-risk epidemic area status is removed, it does not mean that people coming from these countries will be immediately allowed to enter Thailand.

Thailand has declared a state of emergency to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and as a result, foreign nationals are banned from entering the country until the end of this month. South Korea and China were designated as COVID-19 risk areas by the Thai government in February, along with Taiwan, Singapore, Italy, Iran, and Japan. Thawislip Visanuosin, CCSA spokesperson, emphasized that necessary measures must be discussed regarding the entry of foreigners and that preventing re-importation of COVID-19 is essential.

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