BANGKOK, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda have signed an announcement that temporarily suspends the visa on arrival facility for citizens of 18 countries and visa free entry for citizens of three countries and regions, effective from Friday.
The Thai Government House and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have confirmed the temporary visa suspension on their websites on Friday.
Prayut, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai and Interior Minister Anupong earlier held an emergency meeting to discuss the visa restrictions after concerns were raised that they may breach bilateral agreements with some of the countries or regions involved.
Prayut has also signed an order appointing a committee to manage the Centre for the Management of the COVID-19 Situation, chaired by himself.
The committee will comprise 16 ministers, the national police chief, the secretary-general of National Security Council, secretary-general to the prime minister and the permanent secretary of the prime minister's Office.
