People warned of bird-borne pathogen

BANGKOK, September 19 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has expressed his concerns over possible bird-borne germs, ordering all relevant parties to limit bird-feed zones in their respective areas. Government Spokesman Lieutenant General Sansern Kaewkamnerd told journalists on Wednesday that the Thai premier has instructed the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), provincial authorities and tambon administrative organizations across the country to regulate bird-feed zones in both public and private areas in their jurisdiction to prevent the possible spread of bird-borne germs. The spokesman stated that the prime minister's order followed public complaints that there are several areas where birds are regularly fed untidily and recklessly, namely public parks and temples, which has not only been at risk of becoming spreading sources of varieties of bird-borne pathogen, but has also caused public disturbances in adjacent areas. "All relevant parties in all areas need to urgently find the suitable solution to the problem without getting the birds hurt, but seeking cooperation with local people on not to feed birds in their areas or limit their bird-feed zones to prevent the feared bird-borne germs, as well as to reduce the number of birds in public areas and to stop public disturbances", the spokesman quoted the Thai prime minister as saying. According to the spokesman, the prime minister's order was also aimed to protect the national image among international visitors and the domestic tourism sector. (TNA)