Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Thailand Declares State of Emergency

Jeff Custer

   Thailand's government announced plans Tuesday to declare a state of
   emergency, taking stricter measures to control the coronavirus outbreak
   that has infected hundreds of people in the Southeast Asian country.

   Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha announced the decision in a brief
   televised address to the nation, saying the one-month state of
   emergency will go into effect Thursday.

   The move will give the government enforcement powers not normally
   available to it, including implementing curfews, censoring the media,
   dispersing gatherings and allowing deployment of military forces for
   enforcement.

.