Relief package announced amid criticism of government's handling of worsening Covid-19 situation and calls for prime minister to step down.

The government has indicated it will prioritise easing impacts caused by new restrictions in Bangkok and the five surrounding provinces of Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon and Nakhon Pathom during the next 30 days.

A 7.5-billion-baht relief package will be expedited to help those affected by the new curbs, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said, adding that construction workers' camps are being isolated due to numerous infections diagnosed among their workforces.

He said further relief measures will also be launched in other provinces later.

The prime minister has insisted he is unfazed by critics of the government's handling of the worsening Covid-19 situation after some called on him to step down.

Critics have launched a broadside against the prime minister over the latest round of restrictions which deal a blow to eateries and restaurants.

Operators complained that they were caught off-guard as the curbs were announced in the Royal Gazette at 1am on Sunday.

Under the new restrictions which took effect on Monday and last 30 days, construction sites will also close temporarily while eateries and restaurants can only provide take-away services.

Thaniwan Kulmongkol, president of the Thai Restaurant Association, posted on Facebook on Monday that all operators of small, medium and large eateries have been affected. "It is like being hit several times by lightning in broad daylight," she posted.

Gen Prayut insisted he was not discouraged by the criticism, particularly on social media.

"I am never fazed by anything. I will do my best for as long as I can. I love the people. I want nothing from them. I will work with everyone to take care of them," the prime minister said after a meeting of his economic team at Government House.