Thailand Extends International Flights Ban till April 18

12 April, 2020

Thailand has now extended its temporary ban on all international flights to the country until April 18 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).

All flight permits granted to international passenger flights during this period will be cancelled, said the civil aviation regulator.

CAAT first announced the ban on April 3, following a commotion at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport when more than 100 Thai nationals arrived on different flights on the same day, reported Reuters.

A Thai immigration officer told Reuters that a public health officer allowed these arriving passengers to quarantine themselves at home, but the passengers said they weren’t aware that they had to be put under quarantine.

Thailand has been under a state of emergency since March 26 and is to last at least until April 30. The state of emergency gives the prime minister sweeping powers to introduce and enforce regulations.

Thailand has also banned entry for all non-resident foreigners amid the Covid-19 crisis.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered a nationwide daily curfew between 10 pm and 4 am (1500 to 2100 GMT), which started on 3rd April.

Bangkok and other major provinces have closed most public places, such as schools, malls and bars. Supermarkets and convenience stores remain open, while restaurants are only allowed to offer takeaway and deliveries.

Thai Airways, the country’s flag carrier, has now halted its domestic flights and international flights to destinations in Asia, Australia and Europe.

As of writing, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Thailand has reached 2,518, including 35 deaths, according to the country’s department of disease control.