Soldiers were guarding borders in Thailand amid fears of renewed cases of Covid-19 from illegal entries.

Chiang Rai province, which is next to Myanmar, are doing round-the-clock border checks as the coronavirus cases continue to spike in the neighbouring country.

The three districts were put under extra preventive measures - Mae Sai, Chiang Saen, and Chiang Khong district - which lasted from December 9 to 15.

Anyone passing checkpoints was strictly examined for their health and documents to prevent a possible outbreak from illegal entry.

Aside from increased patrols in the area, long rolls of barbed wires were installed across rice fields to secure usual illegal crossing entry points.
Drones, lights, and several CCTV cameras were also used by the authorities to secure the border.

Chiang Rai Governor Major General Chinnawit Wichai said they are also campaigning for the villagers in the area to help them stop illegal entries from Myanmar, which is also known as Burma.

He said: "The police and other related government agencies in our province will need the help of everyone if we want to keep our country safe."

Shops, factories, rental houses, and dormitories were also inspected to make sure that everyone is following strict protocols.

Sririraj Hospital's Dr Prasit Watanapa in Thai capital Bangkok said the coronavirus strain found in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, spreads faster than the virus from Wuhan, China.

He said: "60 per cent of Covid-19 infections in Myanmar were caused by the G614 strain. The strain that spread in Wuhan last year was called D614.

"G614, which can spread faster, therefore needs a faster response. Only one slip can cause great damage to the country."

Thailand ranked highest in a global survey for its effective handling of Covid-19 and recovery from the crisis.