Bangkok Next City To Ban Sale Of Alcohol, Aims To Prevent COVID-19 Spike During Songkran Season

Alcohol sale ban in Bangkok 


Images adapted from: Bangkokbiznews and The Conversation

After cases of clusters in Thonglor and Lumpini Boxing Stadium, bars and other entertainment venues have been ordered to close down, with an additional curfew being implemented. 

Sakon Nakhon and Chiang Mai are some Thai provinces that have announced an alcohol sale ban in order to decrease the chances for people to take part in social gatherings.

Bangkok is now also implementing an alcohol ban from 10th to 20th April 2020 to avoid any parties and group gatherings during the official Songkran season, despite the holidays being cancelled. 

https://thesmartlocal.com/thailand/songkran-2020-holidays/


To prevent more infection clusters



Image credit: Bangkokbiznews

Even though the Songkran Festival has been postponed, there is no telling if people staying at home might get into groups to host parties. Besides asking people to avoid family visits, the alcohol ban sure makes parties less interesting, thus acting as a deterrent for social gatherings.

The measure will take action from 10th to 20th April 2020. Police Capt. Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, spokesman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority, also urged all sellers to strictly follow the rules in order to better the COVID-19 situation in Thailand.

There are 10 other provinces implementing alcohol ban:

  • Sakon Nakhon: 31st March – 16th April 2020
  • Chiang Mai: 10th – 20th April 2020
  • Rayong: 3rd – 15th April 2020
  • Buriram: 2nd – 30th April 2020 
  • Mukdaharn: 6th – 30th April 2020 
  • Suphanburi: 4th – 30th April 2020 
  • Nakhon Pathom: 2nd – 30th April 2020 
  • Lampoon: 1st – 30th April 2020
  • Chonburi: No limitation from 6PM-6AM every day
  • Surin: 2rd – 30th April 2020 

Legal punishments have not been specified, but we hope everyone will be responsible and apply social distancing rules during this time. 

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