A RESOLUTION was passed at today’s (April 27) Cabinet meeting approving a draft announcement on temporarily transferring all authority and duties on tackling the coronavirus pandemic held by ministers as well those acting under the law to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Amarin TV said.
Once announced, Gen Prayut will have the full authority to give permission, approve, order, command or give assistance in preventing, correcting, suppressing and deterring during an emergency or for the rehabilitation and giving assistance to the people as stated in 31 laws.
This is to ensure effective resolution of the current coronavirus wave spreadings across the country.
Meanwhile senior police officers also said today that an interpretation of the announcement of wearing face masks shows that even those driving alone in a private car would have to wear one all the time and if they do not do so they would face a maximum 20,000 baht fine.
Pol. Lt. Gen Amphon Buarubporn, the commander of the Provincial Police Region 1, said the rule also applies to drivers who are alone in their vehicle because they are considered to have left home and were now in a public place.
However police will use their discretion and not just go all out to fine those not wearing a face mask.
Pol Lt Gen Phukphong Phongpetra, the commander of the Metropolitan Police, said the intent of the face mask announcement is to control the spread of coronavirus but police have been instructed to exercise discretion and not cause people to suffer.
In another development, Education Minister Ms. Trinuch Thienthong said the opening of the first semester of the 2021 academic year will be postponed from May 17 to June 1 because of the current spike in coronavirus cases.
This decision was made at a meeting with all concerned educational agencies with parents too having voiced concern about the safety of their children.
CAPTIONS:
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, top photo by Amarin TV, Thai headline says, “full authority to tackle Covid” , Home Page photo by NNT.
