Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul on Saturday (February 29) hinted at using the Internal Security Act BE 2551 (2008) to stop student protests against the government, in order to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

He said that the outbreak of Covid-19 is an issue of concern to everyone, adding that a gathering of people will result in the spread of the disease.

“We have expressed our concern to other related authorities,” he said.

“I have informed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan that they can issue an order because the Ministry of Public Health can only warn and ask for cooperation.”

He added that the Internal Security Act BE 2551 (2008) might be needed to control the protest to prevent the spread of the disease, but it depends on the consideration of those involved.

"If they don’t listen to our warning, organisers must take responsibility if the protest leads to the spread of the disease,” he warned.