Covid-19 cases spike in Thailand as tourism recovery gains steam
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The surge in infections are due to the winter season and increased public activities.
PHOTO: AFP
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BANGKOK – Thailand has reported a surge in serious Covid-19 infections and deaths, just as the South-east Asian nation is seeing a rebound in foreign tourist arrivals that is likely to gain further momentum into the holiday season.
An average of 702 Covid-19 patients a day were hospitalised in the week ending Nov 26, almost double the number from the start of the month, the Health Ministry said on Monday.
A total of 74 people died during the period, up from 40 people in the week ending Nov 5, it said.
The surge in cases, especially in the capital Bangkok and popular tourism spots in the eastern and southern regions, is due to the winter season and increased public activities, the ministry said.
While the authorities have yet to warn of reimposing any mobility curbs, the up-tick in cases may deter some foreign visitors.
With most fatalities among the elderly and those with chronic diseases, the authorities urged people to get booster shots every four months and those not vaccinated to get vaccinated at the earliest. The government is adding more vaccination sites in Bangkok and other tourist destinations to build immunity ahead of the New Year festivities, the Department of Disease Control said.
Thailand has seen a gradual recovery in foreign tourist arrivals after it scrapped all pandemic-era restrictions on travel in July.
More than 10 million tourists are expected to visit the country in 2022 with the number forecast to double in 2023, according to the government. Bloomberg
