Thailand's state of emergency unlikely to extend after end of May
A staff member checks the body temperature of a passenger at a screening point in Bangkok, Thailand, March 26, 2020. (Photo: Xinhua)
- Xinhua
- May 12, 2020 8:59 AM
BANGKOK-- The National Security Council (NSC) told the media on Monday that it is highly likely that Thailand's State of Emergency will end on May 31.
The NSC's secretary-general Gen. Somsak Roongsita said that the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) had conducted studies and surveys during the lockdown period.
"Both agencies were quite satisfied with the overall public health and safety situations," said Somsak.
"The NIA and ISOC also acknowledged the dwindling number of the daily new COVID-19 infections and believed that the general Thais have good understandings of the need to social distance at the time of the pandemic outbreak," said Somsak.
"It is highly likely that the emergency decree will not be extended after May 31," said Somsak.
The decree authorizes Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to give orders to fight the virus, with the supreme commander of the armed forces, ministers of public health, interior, commerce and foreign affairs to assist him.
Thailand's new COVID-19 cases are on a downward trend. On Monday, the Ministry of Public Health reported six new COVID-19 cases, bringing the cumulative total to 3,015.
No new fatalities were reported.
