Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health said on Thursday that it had discovered a locally transmitted case of COVID-19 after over 100 days of no cases.
The patient was tested at a local prison after being arrested by police for drug charges. He has since been isolated while remanded and contact tracing is underway both with security officials, his cell mates and his former places of employment.
There are over 8,000 inmates at the prison where he was incarcerated.
The suspect worked as a DJ in several locations including a club on Rama 3 and another club on Rama 5 road as well as Khaosan Road. He lived with five family members at a condo in Bangkok. All people that have come into contact with the patient is now being tested and isolated.
The ministry said it was unclear how the local transmission could have happened and that investigations are underway.
The new case comes as Thailand is due to shut down for a four-day holiday with mass movements of people expected between Friday and Monday.
Public health officials are warning Thais to take extra precaution and maintain social distancing over the holiday.
