Covid-19 cases spike in Thailand as tourism recovery gains steam
Thailand reported a surge in serious Covid-19 infections and deaths, just as the South-east Asian nation is seeing a rebound in foreign tourist arrivals that is likely to gain further momentum into the holiday season.
An average of 702 Covid-19 patients were hospitalized a day in the week ending Nov 26, almost double the number from the start of the month, the Health Ministry said on Monday.
A total of 74 people died during the period, up from 40 people in the week ending Nov 5, it said.
The surge in infections, especially in Bangkok and popular tourism destinations in the eastern and southern regions, are due to the winter season and increased public activities, the ministry said.
While Thai authorities have yet to warn of reimposing any mobility restrictions, the up-tick in cases may deter some foreign visitors.
With most fatalities among the elderly and those with chronic diseases, authorities urged people to get booster shots every four months and those not vaccinated to get their doses at the earliest.
The government is adding more vaccination sites in Bangkok and other tourist destinations to build immunity ahead of the New Year festivities, Department of Disease Control’s director-general Opas Karnkawinpong said in the statement.
Thailand has seen a gradual recovery in foreign tourist arrivals after it scrapped all pandemic-era restrictions on travel in July.
More than 10 million tourists are expected to visit the country in 2022 with the number expected to double in 2023, according to the government.