Twenty-four Burmese workers were abandoned on the roadside amid checks on migrant workers by Thai government officials following an explosion of Covid-19 cases.

Police said that only six of the group had the proper paperwork and the other 18 were working illegally in Thailand when they were picked up in Samut Prakan province.

They told police that their boss had kicked them out after hearing that police were checking the status of migrant workers.

The enforcement of labour laws came after an explosion in Covid-19 coronavirus cases at a seafood market in Samut Sakhon province on the outskirts of Bangkok, where more than 1,000 Burmese migrant workers tested positive for the virus. There were also cases in surrounding provinces that have spread from people who visited the market - one of the largest in the country.

Thai Prime Minister ruled out a national lockdown but urged residents to be extra vigilant and follow preventative measures.

Thailand has recorded 5,716 cases of Covid-19, as of December 23.