Thailand braces for new wave of infections

Over the last 24 hours, Thailand recorded 8,511 new cases and 12 deaths, bringing the total infections in the kingdom to 2,269,550 cases and 21,825 fatalities to date.

The COVID-19 cases have been rising sharply for the last six consecutive days.

To manage with the rising numbers in Bangkok, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to open 41 community isolation facilities with combined beds for about 5,100 patients.

Besides that, Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang instructed all 50 district offices to tighten controls at at-risk venues including entertainment outlets.

He also instructed district offices to make necessary preparation including transport to ferry COVID-19 patients.

"To contain the spread of highly contagious Omicron variant, district offices have been ordered to set up Emergency Operation Centres to monitor the Omicron situation in Bangkok," he said.

Meanwhile, the Public Health Ministry also called on people to come forward to get booster vaccinations.

The Nonthaburi health office is offering free third and fourth COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to a number of Thais on January 13 and 14.