A high-ranking Hungarian official tested positive today for COVID-19 in Bangkok, according to Thai authorities.
On a brief visit to Thailand on Tuesday and Wednesday, Peter Szijjarto, foreign affairs and trade minister of Hungary, was confirmed by health minister Anutin Charnvirakul to have been infected with COVID-19. He canceled all events and is expected to return to his home country this afternoon by a private jet.
Szijjarto’s visit was to strengthen economic ties between Thailand and Hungary during the pandemic. This morning, he was reportedly admitted to a hospital in Bangkok with flu symptoms and later tested positive.
The Hungarian politician originally was to visit Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-oha at the Government House and meet with Foreign Affairs Minister Don Pramudwinai at the ministry.
The authorities said that Szijjarto was tested at least three times prior to flying to Thailand.
Thai health officials today announced seven additional infected cases, all imported, bringing the kingdom to 3,804 confirmed cases since the outbreak began in January. Szijjarto wasn’t in today’s official count. The death toll has stood at 59 since September.
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