The Westerdam began its cruise on January 16 in Singapore. Shipowner Holland America Line says there are no known cases of the virus on board.

Thai Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakulhad indicated on his Facebook page several hours before the official announcement that the ship would be denied entry.

Holland America announced Monday that passengers would disembark in Bangkok on Thursday — and that there was no reason to believe any passengers were infected with the deadly bug.

“I have issued orders. Permission to dock refused,” Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said in a post on Facebook.

Originally the country said the ship could dock and disembark guests on Thursday, but officials are now saying they will only provide humanitarian aid despite the fact there are no coronavirus cases aboard.

Maritime Business World