17-6-2024 (BANGKOK) Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been forced to take a temporary leave of absence from his official duties after testing positive for COVID-19. The announcement came on Monday, as the nation’s leader prioritized his health and recovery.
According to Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke, the Prime Minister began experiencing symptoms on Friday, prompting him to seek medical attention. After consulting with a doctor, Srettha received a positive diagnosis for the COVID-19 virus.
“The doctor assumed that Srettha had been infected for a while and asked the premier to rest until he recovers around Monday or Tuesday,” Chai explained, providing insights into the Prime Minister’s condition.
While Srettha is expected to resume his duties on Wednesday, the spokesman conveyed the premier’s apologies to those who may have come into close contact with him in recent days. Chai urged individuals who had been in proximity to the Prime Minister and subsequently developed symptoms to seek a COVID-19 test as a precautionary measure.
Taking to social media, Srettha himself addressed the nation through a Facebook post, shedding light on his decision to consult a doctor after experiencing fatigue and a fever.
“I will recover and return to work as soon as possible,” the Prime Minister reassured his constituents, underscoring his commitment to resuming his responsibilities at the earliest opportunity.
The Prime Minister’s temporary absence from office is a testament to the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, even as nations around the world have begun to adapt to the “new normal.” Srettha’s diagnosis serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and precautions, particularly for public figures and leaders who maintain a rigorous schedule.
