The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s plan to allow five types of business to reopen on Wednesday was postponed for two weeks because the prime minister remains concerned about the overall Covid-19 situation, National Security Council chief Gen Natthapol Nakpanich says.
Gen Natthapol, who also heads the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) operations centre, said the decision was made by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha in his capacity as the organisation’s director.
City Hall announced on Monday that it would allow five types of business, including spas and beauty clinics, to reopen on June 1. However, the CCSA countermanded the decision later in the day by delaying re-opening for 14 days.
Gen Natthapol said yesterday that Gen Prayut had taken into consideration the fact the number of Covid-19 infections was still high and the pandemic was continuing unabated.
The prime minister was concerned about the overall situation and wanted a delay in easing restrictions. Although City Hall had announced the planned reopening, it had not issued an order putting it into effect, he said.
Gen Natthapol said the prime minister well understood the wishes of City Hall and business operators.
On Monday, Gen Prayut told him to consult with the Ministry of Public Health to expedite the allocation of vaccines for workers in businesses that City Hall said should be allowed to reopen. – Bangkok Post
