Samut Sakhon governor Verasak Vichitsangsri has been transferred to Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok and given the antiviral drug Favipiravir as part of his Covid-19 treatment.
The governor was confirmed to have contracted the virus on Monday, about a week after the province, which is home to a large concentration of migrant workers, saw a spike in Covid-19 cases mostly among the workers. He was admitted to Samut Sakhon Hospital with symptoms of a sore throat and cough.
Prasit Watanapa, dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj Hospital, said the governor was in isolation in an intensive care unit and under close observation for signs of respiratory symptoms as he has underlying health conditions.
However, Mr Verasak was doing fine and in good spirits, he said.
Dr Prasit gave his assurance the governor would be able to return to work when he has fully recovered. Three people who had close contact with the governor -- his wife, Chuleeporn, and deputies Thirapat Katchmat and Surasak Pholyangsong -- have all tested negative, he added.
Mr Thirapat said he also met provincial agencies yesterday and reassured them the governor's policies and action plan would continue to be implemented by his deputies in his absence.