Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health said on Thursday that it had discovered 60 more coronavirus cases; the largest increase over a 24-hour period since the outbreak began in January.
The new cases brings the country’s total to 272 confirmed cases.
Among the new cases, 43 stemmed from a previously-known boxing match, entertainment venues in Bangkok and close proximity with known patients.
The 17 remaining cases came from returnees from abroad, a news reporter and a gym trainer.
“There has been a dramatic rise in cases but more than half of Thailand’s numbers can be traced to two events, a boxing match and a night of partying among friends,” said Dr Suwanchai Watanayingcharoenchai. “These people not only caught the disease but went back to their homes and their provinces and ignored our guidelines. They are putting the public at risk.
Partial shutdown across the country
On Wednesday, the partial shutdown of Bangkok was enforced. Clubs, bars, sporting events, were shuttered until the end of March to help fight against the outbreak. Schools and Universities were closed indefinitely with classes moving online.
The government said that it would leave the decision outside Bangkok for provincial governments to decide but already local governments seemed to be following suit. Phuket announced late Tuesday that it would close its entertainment venues. Other tourist areas are expected to join in the shutdown.
