Thailand shoppers take no chances as new measures begin

Thai citizens cleared supermarket shelves and filled shopping trolleys on Tuesday, a day after the Prime Minister went on national TV to announce new restrictions to battle the new coronavirus crisis. The cabinet confirmed that the measures would begin on Wednesday and would include the temporary closing of schools and universities.

In the Bangkok area entertainment venues such as pubs and sports arenas will also close.

The Prime Minister had appealed to people to stop panic-buying, but the fear of what may yet lie ahead remains strong.

At a supermarket on the edge of Bangkok, shoppers queued to get in and to check-out, their trolleys brimming with eggs, rice, detergent and toilet paper.

A top government official was on hand to try to assure the nation, through the media, that producers had enough provisions for the next month.

But no one was taking any chances.

"Normally I don't have any confidence in their measures. How can I put it? I think you have to take care of yourself," said Bangkok resident Rawiwan Wichiennarat.

Kompat Semachi echoed those feelings as he and his wife stocked up on toilet paper.

"They should have been more decisive," he said. "Other cities have been shut down, but we still seem to be too relaxed"

If shoppers were taking no chances, neither, in another way, was the cabinet.

At the weekly meeting on Tuesday all its members wore masks as they gave the nod to the new proposals.

The measures are intended to discourage the gathering and movement of large groups of people.

Already universities have brought down the shutters, their usually bustling grounds, buildings and classrooms eerily quiet.

They will stay closed initially for two weeks.

Schools are expected to follow suit on Wednesday.

And crowds will also be absent from Thai boxing stadia, for the time being.

28 confirmed cases of COVID-19 stemmed from a recent event at one such venue.

Pubs, clubs and massage parlours in and around the capital will also go dark, once the city's governor gives his assent.

Also confirmed by cabinet, the postponing of the Thai New Year holiday, known as Songkran, due in mid-April.

Known internationally for its anarchy and mass water fights, it is also when millions of Thais leave the cities and return to their home provinces to be with their families.

Total cases in Thailand rose on Tuesday by 30, to a total of 177.

For most people the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough.

For some especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.

According to the World Health Organisation, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.