Thailand moves to bring back tougher COVID-19 restrictions

BANGKOK — Thailand is poised to reinstate tougher restrictions on businesses next week in response to a rise in coronavirus cases.

The measures urged by health authorities require the approval of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and could take effect as soon as Monday. Steps include closing or shortening business hours at places that pose a high risk for infection, as well as calling on people to avoid travel between provinces.

While Thailand has fared better than other big Southeast Asian economies in terms of COVID-19 infections and deaths, its economy remains depressed by the pandemic’s blow to tourism.

Provincial governors will have discretion to impose the restrictions, which can last until Feb. 1. If they fail to contain the spread of the virus, stronger measures including nighttime curfews and bans on travel across provincial lines remain an option.

Bangkok went a step ahead…