Thai returnees rush to beat border lockdown

Malaysian crossings shut until March 31

The 4th Army began shutting 13 border posts in Narathiwat province from 5am yesterday as part of moves to stem the spread of Covid-19, as border checkpoints in the South were flooded with Thais returning from Malaysia, which also closed its borders yesterday.

The 13 border trade posts will be closed for two weeks until March 31. Thais and foreigners returning from Malaysia were advised to enter via border checkpoints in Sungai Kolok, Tak Bai and Waeng districts.

Meanwhile, authorities were still hunting for 132 Thai Muslims who attended a recent gathering at Kuala Lumpur’s Sri Petaling Mosque which became a hotspot of Covid-19 virus transmission, 4th Army commander Lt Gen Pornsak Poonsawat said yesterday.

Pol Lt Col Wirawat Ninwat, deputy chief of Songkhla immigration police, said the search for the 132 potentially infected individuals had also been launched in Songkhla, but none had been located yet.

Malaysia began closing its borders yesterday, though foreigners were permitted to leave the country.

The country announced the imminent border closure on Tuesday, triggering an exodus of migrant Thai workers and visitors.

Pol Col Supphachat Wetchaphon, head of Narathiwat immigration police, said 21,799 people had crossed the border into Thailand through the three checkpoints on Tuesday, adding more were crossing yesterday.

Meanwhile in neighbouring Songkhla province, 15,029 individuals had entered via Sadao and Padang Besar checkpoints, a source said, citing figures provided by the two immigration checkpoints. In order to cope with the influx, four screening stations were set up at the Padang Besar checkpoint, the source added.

Ismael Biding, 30, who returned to Narathiwat yesterday, said he works at a Thai restaurant in Terengganu but had to return after Malaysia announced it was shutting its borders until March 31.

He said he hopes the contagion can be contained soon so he can return to work.

Separately, Nakhon Phanom governor Sayam Sirimongkhon on Tuesday issued an urgent announcement that Khammouane province in neighbouring Laos had closed its four border posts. The only border crossing that remains open is on the other side of the third Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. This checkpoint is open from 6am to 10pm daily, Mr Sayam said.

Lao authorities announced that five Thai nationals confirmed to be carrying Covid-19 had last Thursday entered Khammouane province, before returning to Thailand the same day. The five had visited two restaurants, where staff were now being monitored for infection, the statement added.