Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha began seven days of self-isolation on Monday after having had close contact with somebody who later tested positive for the novel coronavirus, according to the government.

Prayut's self-isolation will end next Sunday since he had already been fully vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said the premier, who tested negative for the coronavirus earlier Monday, will self-isolate at home to ease people's anxiety and will continue his regular duties from there.

"The prime minister will undergo more tests to assure people that the country still moves forward," Anucha said.

The move came after a chamber of commerce executive, who took a selfie with Prayut in Phuket, tested positive for the virus.

The premier was on the tropical resort island for a ceremony to welcome the first batch of vaccinated foreign tourists who will not be required to undergo quarantine there.

On Monday, Thailand registered 6,166 new cases, mainly in the capital Bangkok, and 50 fatalities. That took the country's total caseload to 289,233 with 2,276 deaths.