THE governor of Chon Buri has denied the seaside province is under lockdown, saying it is actually considering easing restrictions to draw visitors back.
According to reports in The Bangkok Post, Pakkhathorn Thianchai, who is also chairman of the provincial communicable disease committee, said there was no requirement for outsiders to self-quarantine when they returned home and they were considering easing current restrictions.
On Wednesday, there was a sharp spike in Covid-19 infections in the province with 108 new cases, but the numbers dropped to only 16 on Thursday.
"The committee will only consider easing the current restrictions once there is sufficient evidence that the virus is not spreading."
Pakkhathorn also called on anyone, who had been at risk of infection to take a Covid-19 test, saying that the public should not be worried by the recent rise in cases.
"People shouldn't be worried as long as we can contain the spread," he said.
"That means we know how many patients there are and they will receive proper medical care," Pakkhathorn added.
Meanwhile, the Chon Buri police chief has been transferred to an inactive post in Bangkok after it was reported that a person infected with Covid-19 had visited an illegal gambling den in the province.
The order to transfer Pol Maj Gen Prakarn Prachong to the operations centre of the Royal Thai Police Office, effective Wednesday, was signed by national police chief Pol Gen Suwat Jangyodsuk.
In a separate order signed by the police chief, Pol Maj Gen Thiti Saengsawang, deputy commissioner of the Provincial Police Region 1, was made acting Chon Buri police chief.
Prakarn's transfer was prompted by reports that the Chon Buri public health office had issued a notice for people who had been at two gambling dens to carefully monitor their health. One person who was infected with Covid-19 said he had frequented both venues.
One venue was reportedly near a bus terminal in Rayong's Muang district and the other in North Pattaya.
Pol Gen Wissanu Prasarttong-Osoth, inspector-general at the Royal Thai Police Office, led an investigation and confirmed the existence of both gambling dens and recommended disciplinary action against officers involved.