THE Philippine embassy in Bangkok has confirmed that no Filipinos have been affected by the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Thailand, according to Ambassador Millicent Paredes.
Paredes’ statement, made Wednesday, May 21st, follows reports of rising COVID-19 infections in several Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong.
“The good news is that we have not received any news that there are Filipinos affected by this surge of COVID-19 cases,” Paredes said in an interview with Radyo 630.
“No one has reached out to us or told us that they are presently confined, so I would presume no one is affected,” she added.
Paredes noted that approximately 40,000 Filipinos reside in Thailand, many of whom are English teachers who have regular contact with students and the wider population.
“We have not received any report, and I hope it remains that way. I hope our Filipino community doesn’t get affected because, as you know, there are around 40,000 Filipinos in the entire Kingdom of Thailand, most of whom are English teachers,” she stated.
While expressing confidence in the Thai government’s preparedness to manage the increase in COVID-19 cases, Ambassador Paredes urged Filipinos in Thailand to contact the embassy should they require any assistance.
This reassurance follows earlier statements by Philippine Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, who downplayed concerns about the rising infection rates in several Asian countries.
