HUGE traffic jams in Thailand's Phuket as thousands flee island before coronavirus lockdown

Traffic jams stretching several miles were seen on the Thai tourist destination island of Phuket after officials announced that it would be locking down.

The vehicles were seen waiting in long queues to evacuate the island fifteen minutes before the lockdown was enforced at midnight on Sunday (March 29).

After the emergency state has been declared effective last Thursday (March 26), the Phuket lockdown order was issued by governor Pakkapong Taweewat on midnight (March 29).

No one is allowed to enter nor leave Phuket island via land or marine transport.

Ports and bridges will be closed for one month, from March 30 to April 30, or until otherwise announced.

The measures were later followed by a ban on all aircraft entering the island from April 10 onwards.

Elsewhere in Thailand, lockdown measure between provinces have not been implemented but most non-essential businesses have been closed and the government has encouraged people to follow social distancing rules, wear masks and stay at home where ever possible.

Non-residents have also been banned from entering the country.