At least one province, Nakhon Ratchasima, is telling visitors from the 10 provinces with the most coronavirus cases that they must enter 14-day quarantine if they want to stay there.
The provincial communicable disease panel issued the announcement on Saturday as people continued to travel upcountry for the four-day weekend that began on Friday. It was signed by governor Vichian Chandaranothai, as chairman of the committee.
Authorities appear to have been taken aback by the large number of people who began streaming out of Bangkok on Friday. Traffic jams on Highway 304 resembled those of a normal long weekend in non-Covid times. Officials fear the extra activity will increase the risk of virus transmission.
People planing to stay in Nakhon Ratchasima, whether they are visitors or returnees, must report within 24 hours to village health volunteers responsible for the area where they intend to stay.
The 10 provinces covered by the new rule are Bangkok, Phuket, Nonthaburi, Yala, Samut Prakan, Chon Buri, Pattani, Songkhla, Chiang Mai and Pathum Thani.
Health officials will advise those who come from other provinces on what they should do and put them under observation by taking into account social distancing.
If there is a need to quarantine them, they can do so immediately, according to the announcement. Violators will face legal action.
The announcement issued under the national emergency decree on Friday evening and coming into effect on Sunday urged people not to travel to other provinces or to delay their trips unless they faced an emergency. If they do travel, they have to give officials evidence of their business and undergo health and screening measures if requested.
