The Department of Disease Control yesterday denied reports that a suspected drug dealer who collapsed with flu-like symptoms after he was extradited to Britain may have caught coronovirus in Thailand.
The department's chief, Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, dismissed reports by UK newspapers that the suspect may have contracted coronovirus in a Thai prison, insisting all prisoners are given health checks before extradition. Those not found to be in good health are not allowed to travel.
Suwannachai: Reports are false
"He was in good condition and had a medical check-up before being extradited. There was no problem with his lungs. Hence, reports that he might have been infected with the deadly virus in a prison in Thailand are not true," he said.
Sophon Iamsirithavorn, chief of the Communicable Disease Division, said no Thai prisons or hotels had reported a coronovirus (Covid-19) outbreak so it was impossible for the suspect to have caught the disease in Thailand, adding his symptoms had appeared well after the disease's 14-day incubation period.
According to UK media reports, Mark Rumble, 31, was extradited back to the UK from Thailand on Jan 27 and developed flu-like symptoms on Monday.
UK newspapers reported Mr Rumble was arrested in Pattaya last November on suspicion of drugs offences.
He was flown back to his homeland to face charges of conspiracy to supply class-A drugs.
Meanwhile, Thailand has now recorded 33 cases of Covid-19, with 22 still in hospital.
A tour guide who tested positive for the virus after being airlifted from the epicentre of the outbreak, Wuhan in China, is recuperating after laboratory tests showed he is no longer infected, said Dr Sophon.
Two other cases also tested negative recently and are now waiting permission from doctors to be discharged from hospital.
However, two other coronavirus patients in Thailand are now in a severe condition, Dr Sophon said.
