Bangkok Post: The world windows to Thailand

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has ordered the closure of all of its 435 schools, 200 nurseries and 13 occupational training centres for five days from July 15 to 19 to prevent the spread of the A(H1N1) flu virus.

Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra  announced the decision after a meeting of  city administrators on Tuesday.

The BMA would also focus on a campaign encouraging people  to wear a protective mask, especially in crowded places, he said.

The city would distribute two million masks to the people at various crowded locations such as at the BTS skytrain   stations and Hua Lamphong railway station. 

Bangkok MPs and city councillors would be asked to distribute 10,000 masks each to people in their constituencies, he said.

Billboards encouraging peple to wear a mask and wash their hands would be put up immediately at intersections in the city.  All community radio stations would be asked to join the campaign to prevent the spead of the flu virus.

The BMA  also planned to close all of its schools on Aug 10 and 11, a Monday and Tuesday, to allow  a major clean up of the schools over five days. 

This could be changed if the cabinet decides to close all schools for cleaning before this period.