Thailand’s government has tightened regulations for the entry of foreigners, after two new imported coronavirus cases with possible exposure to the public raised concern about a second wave of infections.

Thailand has been 50 days without confirmed local transmission of the coronavirus, but two cases among foreigners this week has led to the self-isolation of more than 400 people and fears on social media of a new contagion.

An empty arrivals hall is pictured at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International airport amid the spread of the coronavirus in June, 2020. — Reuters/File
An empty arrivals hall is pictured at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International airport amid the spread of the coronavirus in June, 2020. — Reuters/File

The government acknowledged that regulations for diplomats and air crewmen, who were among a few categories of foreigners allowed to enter since March with self-isolation requirements, have been too lax.

“This should not happened, I am really sorry that it did and I want to apologise to the public,” Reuters quoted Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha as saying.

Opinion

Editorial

A new deal
Updated 16 Jun, 2026

A new deal

AFTER three and a half months of war between US-Israel and Iran and an acrimonious temporary ceasefire, a genuine...
Charter of economy
16 Jun, 2026

Charter of economy

NO one expected the PTI to accept the government’s invitation to sign a charter of economy; just as few expected...
Hostage seamen
16 Jun, 2026

Hostage seamen

SOME 50 days on, 11 Pakistani nationals are still in Somali pirates’ captivity. Their appeals to the Pakistani and...
Climate choices
Updated 15 Jun, 2026

Climate choices

The country is confronting increasingly volatile weather patterns with consequences for agriculture, infrastructure, public health and economic planning.
Brief opening
15 Jun, 2026

Brief opening

WE have been here before. Throughout the weekend, there was great anticipation that a tentative framework for peace...
Environmental disaster
15 Jun, 2026

Environmental disaster

IT was a heartbreaking sight. A recent news report in these pages carried a picture of a sea turtle lying half ...