Thousands of Burmese migrant workers were imprisoned today (Dec 21) with a ring of razor wire after an explosion in Covid-19 cases at a seafood market in Thailand.

At least 821 workers at the market in Samut Sakhon province on the outskirts of Bangkok have tested positive for the virus in recent days. The number is expected to increase as Thai officials carry out mass tests in the area.

Shocking footage taken this morning shows how army chiefs have put up a ring of razor wire around the sprawling market, which includes dormitories for the immigrant workers.

They are banned from leaving the compound and locals have had to deliver supplies of fresh food and water to them. There are believe to be more than 1,000 workers trapped inside the market area, which includes hundreds of shabby homes.

It came as several people in neighbouring areas tested positive following recent trips to the market, sparking fears of a second wave erupting in the country, which has largely kept the pandemic under control.

Deputy governor of the province, Surasak Polyangsong, said the first case was found last Thursday and since then, more than 2,000 people have been tested.

He said that an estimated 10,000 tests on people living and working in and around the market would be carried out using mobile labs this week.

Thailand - which closed its borders in March and has enforced mask wearing - has so far recorded 4,907 cases of coronavirus and 60 deaths.