Covid-19 Thailand – Latest Updates (19th July, 2020)
Latest Cases – 3,249 (+ 3) Recovered – 3,096 Hospitalized – 95 (+3) Died – 58
Big Jump In Suvarnabhumi Airport Traffic
Suvarnabhumi Airport is seeing an increase in passengers after the government eased lockdown measures in the fifth phase that allowed domestic travel.
Wing Commander Suthirawat Suwanawat, general manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport, said that from July 1-15, the airport had seen operation of 3,205 flights (1,604 incoming and 1,601 outgoing) or 214 flights per day on average.
“The total number of passengers using the airport was 174,912 (85,758 incoming and 89,154 outgoing), or 11,661 passengers per day on average, which is a big jump from the previous months when the fifth phase of the easing of lockdown had not started yet, he said.
“To ensure the safety of passengers and staff during the Covid-19 situation, Airports of Thailand has employed measures as suggested by the Ministry of Public Health, such as setting up screening checkpoints at all terminals, maintaining social distancing in operation and passenger areas, performing deep-cleaning in public areas and facilities every day, and enforcing the wearing of face masks by staff and passengers,” he added.
Full Story: Nation
Foreigners Can Apply For Visa Extensions After 31st July
Foreign visitors still stranded in the kingdom by the Covid-19 pandemic will be allowed to apply for an extended short stay after their visas expire on July 31, the Immigration Bureau chief said on Friday.
Foreign tourists who are unable to leave Thailand would be given a grace period from Aug 1 to Sept 26 to apply to stay for a specified period, said Pol Lt Gen Sompong Chingduang, the bureau commissioner. However, if they do not obtain extensions and are still in the country after Sept 26, they would face legal action and be blacklisted.
He urged foreigners to contact the bureau as soon as possible to prepare for their next steps in order to avoid crowding as the Sept 26 deadline approached.
Foreign visitors must specify their reasons and submit necessary documents when seeking to renew short-term visas, which will be granted for 30 days, he said.
“If they are unable to return because there are no flights or due to lockdown measures in their countries, they must submit proof. The granting of a short-stay visa will be made on a case-by-case basis,” Pol Lt Gen Sompong said during a visit to Phuket, a province with a high number of stranded foreigners.
Full Story: BangkokPost
