'Quarantine Model Country' Thailand Also Faces 3rd Major Wave... Highest Death Toll Ever

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Thailand has recorded the highest number of deaths ever due to the third wave of COVID-19.

According to local media on the 26th, the Thai Ministry of Health announced that 2,438 new cases were confirmed the previous day, bringing the total confirmed cases to 55,460.

The number of deaths was 11, the highest since the COVID-19 outbreak. The cumulative death toll is 140.

Thailand had been regarded as a model country for COVID-19 management, but this month, confirmed cases surged rapidly due to cluster infections originating from entertainment venues and large-scale movement during the Songkran holiday. More than 24,000 confirmed cases and 46 deaths have occurred this month alone.

Bangkok, the capital with the highest number of recent confirmed cases, has issued a closure order for public facilities where many people gather, such as parks and gyms, for two weeks from today until the 9th. Additionally, wearing masks in public places has been made mandatory, and violators will be fined up to 20,000 baht (approximately 700,000 KRW) under the Communicable Disease Act.

Meanwhile, considering criticism that the supply of COVID-19 vaccines is slow, the Thai government is exploring ways for the private sector to also procure vaccines. Government Deputy Spokesperson Traisuri Thaisaranakun stated yesterday, "Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will meet with business officials on the 28th to discuss the possibility of the private sector signing vaccine supply contracts with overseas companies."

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