Army chief infected after returning from Malaysia

Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief General Narongpan Jitkaewthae and six other high-ranking officers tested positive for Covid-19 on returning from an official visit to Malaysia.

The visit came in response to an invitation by the Malaysian army chief from June 30 to July 1.

The army announced yesterday that while General Narongpan was being treated, deputy army chief General Apinan Khampeo was tasked with attending a meeting of national security chiefs on his behalf at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters on Wednesday.

The commander-in-chief has also assigned General Siripoj Rampaikul, chairman of the Army’s advisory board, to perform duties scheduled on his behalf, including welcoming the Spanish ambassador.

Other officials who accompanied Narongpan to Malaysia have been ordered to self-isolate and monitor their symptoms.

Last week, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit tested positive for Covid-19 after returning from trips to Europe and the United Kingdom, respectively. — The Nation/ANN