Thailand keeps curbs as Covid cases rise to 5-month high

[BANGKOK] Thailand's new Covid-19 infections surged to a 5-month high, prompting the government to keep containment measures in Bangkok and other areas to curb the outbreak.

The number of cases rose to 16,330, the highest single-day tally since Aug 29, according to government data. The country also reported 25 new deaths in the past 24 hours, taking total fatalities to 22,387.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha asked Bangkok and 9 other provinces with the highest number of daily infections to take steps to contain the outbreak, Taweesilp Visanuyothin, a spokesperson for the Covid panel, said on Friday (Feb 11).

The move deals a blow to the South-east Asian country, whose tourism industry is known for its beach resorts and temples. BLOOMBERG