Expat Residents In Thailand Uneasy About Official Coronavirus Reports

Published:  11 Mar at 6 PM
Want to get involved?

Become a

Featured Expat

and take our interview.

Become a

Local Expert

and contribute articles.

Get in

touch

today!

Expats in Thailand are now questioning how many Chinese arrivals from Wuhan are still in the country’s popular tourism destinations.

Until the first few days of breaking news over the Wuhan coronavirus, Thailand’s southern islands, the capital Bangkok and the northern city of Chiang Mai were crammed with Chinese tourists, the majority of whom were believed to have arrived from Hubei province and Wuhan itself. Frequent flights from the virus-hit city continued until China itself locked down flights from its infected areas, but those who’d arrived before the outbreak were presumed to still be in Thailand.

Unable to return home due to the flight bans, it was assumed that many were circulating around the country, with some 100,000 still reported up to just under four weeks ago. According to local media, immigration officials reported stringent health screening at all airports, but expats arriving at the same time posting they’d seen no such checks. Authorities are still insisting the bulk of earlier Chinese arrivals still in the country had flown in before the Wuhan outbreak became a serious issue.

Thai health officials seem to be as confused as are the general public and America’s president as to the best way to deal with the infection. Statements such as ‘imposing travel bans on all Chinese visitors wouldn’t help control infections’ hasn’t given citizens or the expat community any reassurance and, for many, the official numbers of infections and deaths seem to be well on the low side considering the huge numbers of Chinese visitors still in the country.

Comments » No published comments just yet for this article...

Feel free to have your say on this item. Go on... be the first!

Tell us Your Thoughts On This Piece:

RECENT NEWS

Christmas Jobs: How Are Postings And Searches Faring This Season?

Seasonal job postings and searches on Indeed in the UK show a clear trend, peaking in November. In 2024, searches hit a ... Read more

Irish PM Simon Harris Says Israel's Decision To Shutter Dublin Embassy 'regrettable'

Israel announced on Sunday it would shut its mission in the Irish capital because of what Israel's Foreign Minister call... Read more

€70 Billion A Year For 25 Years: The Cost To Get Europes Energy System Ready For Green Transition

“If our competitiveness hinges on having the cheapest energy prices in the world, we have a problem,” E.ON’s CEO t... Read more

Markets Week Ahead: Eurozone Business Activities And Fed Rate Decision In Focus

Market movements this week will hinge on eurozone business activity data and key interest rate decisions by major centra... Read more

Clean-up Ongoing In Mayotte After Cyclone Chido Devastates French Overseas Territory

Chido brought winds in excess of 220kph when it made landfall on Saturday, according to the French weather service, ripp... Read more

Starmer In Norway To Discuss Green Energy Deal Ahead Of Defence Talks In Estonia

Starmer said the energy partnership with Norway would help boost growth and protect against fluctuations in energy price... Read more