Flu cases surge over weekend

BANGKOK: Thailand's prime minister urged the public to remain calm yesterday as swine flu cases tripled in the nation over the last three days, while New Zealand reported the largest single-day jump in infections.

Just days after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic, officials were concerned about new cases not linked to overseas travel and about the flu's effect on tourism.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva warned the situation is "not an easy fix" with tens of thousands of passengers arriving daily from abroad.