Thailand sends basic necessities to passengers onboard MS Westerdam
Image adapted from MRG Online
Thailand is a country that is on high alert due to the Wuhan Coronavirus that has been inciting fear and anxiety to both locals and travellers coming into the country.
To control and prevent the risk of infection, the government has recently refused entry to the MS Westerdam, a cruise ship that was slated to dock at Laem Chabang Pier in the country’s Chonburi Province.
Catch up with the Wuhan Coronavirus situation in Thailand here:
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- Thai Universities Let Students Take 2 Weeks Leave During Wuhan Coronavirus Outbreak
- Thai Volunteers Join Cleaning Campaign And Distribute Free Masks & Hand Sanitisers
- Kind Strangers Help Fight Wuhan Virus By Giving Out Free Face Masks At Airport And Bus Station
- Aunty Gives Medical Masks To Homeless Grandma For Protection
- China Gives Go-Ahead For Thai Citizens To Fly Back From Wuhan
No cases reported of coronavirus onboard
Image credit: MRG Online
The MS Westerdam is currently carrying 2,257 passengers for a 30-day-trip around Asia, which started in Singapore on 16th January 2020. The ship then sailed to Hong Kong to pick up more passengers on 1st February, aiming to end the trip in Japan on 15th February.
Earlie in the month, the Diamond Princess cruise liner had docked in Japan while carrying over 130 passengers infected with the Wuhan Coronavirus. Japan has since blocked the entry of cruise ships, although MS Westerdam has confirmed that all passengers are free from the virus.
After no luck in Japan, the ship was also refused docking in the Philippines, Taiwan, Guam Islands, and Thailand.
Refused entry due to fear of infections
Mr Atirat Ratanasate, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Transportation, Thailand
Image credit: Bangkokbiznews
The Thai Ministry of Transportation and Public Health took the appeal into consideration, but turned it down due to increased anxiety due to the virus in Thailand.
However, the government has stated that they will be issuing basic necessities to the passengers and crew onboard by providing them with food, medication, fuel, and other necessary equipment to help them continue their journey on sea.
Of the 2,257 passengers are 21 Thais. One passenger from Canada stated that passengers were fine, although anxious regarding the situation.
There is currently no news on whether the ship will be able to dock at their next port, but we hope that the situation will be under control to bring everyone back home safely.
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