BANGKOK, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Wednesday said that the government is set to lift the night curfew for 15 days as a trial, however the state of emergency will still remain to ensure continued containment of COVID-19.
CCSA spokesman Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin said on national TV that the 15 day trial is important as it will determine Thailand's imminent future in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and how to move Thailand's economy forward.
"The 15 day trial is more like testing the waters, to evaluate public behavior as well as their reactions, and also to see if a second wave of infection may occur after 2 weeks," said Taweesin.
He said there is no definite date of when the lifting will take place. However, he hinted that the coming Friday is a possibility, a day ahead of the weekend.
The curfew is currently in effect across Thailand from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m, which government officials have maintained that it is necessary to prevent people from hanging out in groups.
In regards to the state of emergency, Deputy Army Chief Gen. Nathapol Nakpanit, who also is the deputy chief of the CCSA, said with the emergency decree in place, the government will then have full control should incidents occur.
"Without the curfew, people can still resume their normal lives, but the state of emergency will remain in place in case the government needs to take swift action to prevent the spread of COVID-19," Nathapol said.
Thailand on Wednesday saw four new imported virus cases from returning Thais from India, Pakistan, and Madagascar.
There were no reports of new fatality on Wednesday.
Total infections now stand at 3,125 with total deaths at 58. Enditem
