Workers In Bangkok Scramble To Leave For Hometown Following Closures And State Of Emergency

By Linda Khoo Hui Li BANGKOK, March 26 (Bernama) -- Rawinta Ropngam was in two minds – whether to stay in Bangkok or join the tens of thousands of workers leaving for their hometown following the closure of a large number of public venues last Sunday. However, she scrambled to leave after Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan o-cha announced a state of emergency starting from Thursday to April 30 to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The 25-year-old manicurist from Ubon Ratchathani Province said she is left with no choice but to leave as she would not be paid during the closure. “Everything in Bangkok is so expensive. I do not get paid during the closure but I have rent and bills to pay. The closure until the end of April is too long. “I decided to go home. At least, I have free food and a place to stay,” she told Bernama. Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan o-cha Wednesday declared a state of emergency which comes into effect nationwide Thursday until April 30, made to curb the COVID-19 outbreak as cases reached the four-figure mark with four fatalities reported. Other measures rolled out include the banning of all foreigners from entering the kingdom – with the exception of diplomats, foreigners with working permits, and those in transportation sector. Thai citizens with embassy permits and health certificates will be exempted from the travel ban. Under the emergency decree, all shopping malls, entertainment outlets and sports venues are ordered to close while supermarkets, fresh produce markets, pharmacies and convenience stores will remain open. Restaurant and cafes only offer takeaway and delivery services. Meanwhile, a sales assistant at a department store in Bangkok, Chalinee, 22, said she decided to travel home before the government imposes curfew or travel restrictions within the country. “I hope the government will curb the outbreak soon so I can come back to make a living to feed my family,” she said. Despite calls to stay put in Bangkok, thousands of migrant workers and Thais flocked to the Mo Chit Bus Terminal, Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) and Southern Bus Terminal Bangkok (Sai Tai Mai) to leave over the weekend – raising concerns over the spread of COVID-19. Thailand reported 111 new COVID-19 cases today, bringing the tally to 1,045 cases. -- BERNAMA