Thailand closes internet cafes for two weeks

A heads up for all those traveling to Thailand in the next two weeks: the country’s public health minister, Witthaya Kaewparadai, announced plans to close tutorial schools and Internet cafes nationwide in a bid to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus.

The announcement was made following the death of a Phuket University student last week. Schools and internet cafes are asked to spend the two weeks carefully cleaning equipment to prevent the spread of infection.

The closure went into effect yesterday, July 13th and is scheduled to end on the 28th of July.

Thailand’s decision to close Internet cafes is believed to be a world first. So, if you know anyone traveling in the “Land of Smiles”, don’t be alarmed if they aren’t responding to your emails.