Thailand Bans Alcohol Sale Nationwide Due To Virus Cluster Risks Amid Songkran Season

Alcohol sale ban in Thailand


After Bangkok and some other provinces launched a ban on alcohol sales last week, all 77 provinces of Thailand have followed suit with a nationwide ban.

The government’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said on 12th April 2020 that over 22 provinces across the country have launched an alcohol ban that will be in effect until 30th April 2020, and 2 provinces until further notice.

The reason is simply because of Thai’s most famous festival, Songkran, which is supposed to be celebrated during this time. The authorities are worried that people will group up and celebrate the festival with alcohol, which could lead to a spike of new clusters.

Besides the alcohol ban in Bangkok, The Nation reported the ban dates in other provinces across Thailand:

  • Until 15th April 2020: Rayong, Ranong, Krabi and Bueng Kan
  • Until 16th April 2020: Sakon Nakhon, Yala, Phichit, Lopburi, Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son
  • Until 17th April 2020: Amnat Charoen, Uttaradit, Kalasin, Yasothon, Surat Thani and Khon Kaen
  • Until 18th April 2020: Phetchabun and Nakhon Ratchasima
  • Until 19th April 2020: Nan, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok, Pathum Thani, Trat, Ratchaburi, Songkhla and Satun
  • Until 20th April 2020: Samut Sakhon, Kamphaeng Phet, Chiang Mai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Phrae, Chaiyaphum, Samut Prakan, Ang Thong, Lampang, Sukhothai, Uthai Thani, Nonthaburi, Tak, Phayao, Narathiwat, Nong Khai, Nakhon Sawan, Sing Buri and Maha Sarakham
  • Until 22nd April 2020: Pattani
  • Until 30th April 2020: Lamphun, Buri Ram, Surin, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, Roi Et, Chai Nat, Suphanburi, Mukdahan, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ubon Ratchathani, Kanchanaburi, Prachinburi, Trang, Chanthaburi, Chon Buri, Si Sa Ket, Chumphon, Saraburi, Sa Kaeo, Phetchaburi, Phanom, Phang Nga, Phatthalung, Loei and Nakhon Si Thammarat
  • Until further notice: Phitsanulok and Phuket

Drinkers, take this chance to detox during Songkran. We hope the outbreak will continue to be on a decline so that we can go back to life as per normal. 

Until then, stay home and take care, everyone.

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Cover image adapted from: ISTOCK

 

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