After months of calm, Thailand challenged by virus outbreak
Food stalls and other vendors are illuminated at Rot Fai Market in Bangkok, Thailand, June 19, as the government continued to ease restrictions that were imposed earlier to curb the spread of COVID-19. AP-Yonhap
After managing against the odds to keep the coronavirus largely in check for most of the year, Thailand has suddenly found itself challenged by an expanding outbreak among migrant workers on the doorstep of the capital, Bangkok.
The surge of cases in Samut Sakhon Province threatens to undo months of efforts to contain the virus and hasten the recovery of an ailing economy.
Cases related to the outbreak have already been found in more than a dozen other provinces and cities, including Bangkok. Officials in the capital city ordered existing safety measures, such as social distancing, mask wearing and checking for fever, to be more strictly observed at markets, temples, parks and entertainment venues.
Contact tracing has found suspected cases for testing as well as areas to be disinfected. At a mall in central Bangkok's popular Siam Square shopping area, three shops visited by a Thai woman who tested positive were temporarily closed for deep cleaning, as was a food court at the nearby MBK Mall. (AP)