Thailand locks down Greater Bangkok as delta rips through ASEAN

Variant makes up 52% of recent cases in Bangkok, government sampling shows

Health workers collect nasal samples in Bangkok. The Thai government has adopted unexpectedly stringent measures to deal with the especially virulent delta variant. © AP

MASAYUKI YUDA, Nikkei staff writer

July 9, 2021 20:20 JST

BANGKOK -- Thailand on Friday decided to implement a stringent lockdown of Greater Bangkok as it struggles to contain its third and deadliest COVID wave, one driven by the same delta variant that is wreaking havoc across Southeast Asia.

The 14-day lockdown starts Monday and is aimed at lessening person-to-person contact. Bangkok and the surrounding provinces of Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan and Samut Sakhon will be subject to the strict measures.