US army chief lands in Bangkok

US army chief lands in Bangkok

A health official takes a nasal swab to test for Covid-19 from US army chief of staff Gen James McConville after he arrived in Bangkok yesterday morning. (Army photo)
A health official takes a nasal swab to test for Covid-19 from US army chief of staff Gen James McConville after he arrived in Bangkok yesterday morning. (Army photo)

United States army chief of staff Gen James McConville arrived yesterday for his two-day visit to the kingdom, the first of its kind since the government began lifting Covid-19 control measures.

Gen McConville's military delegation arrived at Don Mueang airport at 10.15am yesterday. Upon arrival in Bangkok, delegation members were subject to strict disease control measures.

They were seen wearing face masks, while their vehicles had partitions between drivers and delegation members. Alcohol gel, wet wipes and bottles of sanitising spray were handed to them.

Delegation members tested negative for Covid-19 after they were checked for the virus in Singapore on Wednesday.

Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), said the US army delegation is the first group to officially visit the kingdom after the government began lifting Covid-19 restrictions.

Dr Taweesilp said delegation members were not placed under quarantine because local health officials are confident group members do not have the coronavirus disease.

He said guests of the government and business representatives under special arrangements can visit the country for a short period, referring to Gen McConville's schedule.

The delegation will be accompanied by health and security personnel, Dr Taweesilp said.

Thai officials who accompany the visitors are not subject to be quarantined for 14 days after the task is complete, he added.

They know how to protect themselves by maintaining distance from the visitors, and are experienced in handling Thai returnees arriving by plane, Dr Taweesilp said.

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