Thailand says Bangkok Covid-19 outbreak may take months to contain

A lone tourist pushes her luggage while workers install decorations ahead of Thailand's Buddhist New Year celebrations, locally known as Songkran, on Khaosan Road in Bangkok on April 8, 2021 as Thai authorities imposes public safety restrictions on the festival due to the resurgence of Covid-19 coronavirus. - AFP

Authorities expect to arrest the outbreak in one or two months in the provinces, but it will likely take longer in Bangkok, the epicentre, said Kiatiphum Wongrajit, the ministry's permanent secretary.

"The main source of the infections is in Bangkok's entertainment venues, which could take longer to contain, depending on measures," Kiatiphum said in a statement.