Bangkok-
The Bangkok Governor, Aswin Kwanmuang, announced this afternoon that an alcohol sales ban, which had previously been set to expire tonight at Midnight, has been ordered to continue at least until the end of April.
This follows the actions of multiple other provinces across the Kingdom of Thailand who had initially implemented alcohol sales bans over the Songkran (Thai New Year) period last week out of concern of the potential of private parties and gatherings that could discourage social distancing.
However, as The Thai Government reports that the majority of gatherings broken up by Law Enforcement feature alcohol as well as reportedly most violators arrested for violating the Thai National Curfew of 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM are intoxicated, the decision has been made to ban the sales of alcohol at least until the end of April.
According to Governor Aswin, the banning of sales of alcohol is meant to discourage gatherings and encourage people to stay home and socially distance, not to meet over drinks.
Thailand is currently under an Emergency Decree to control the spread of the Covid-19 Coronavirus, which carries harsh penalties for those who break it. Socializing over drinks has been previous stated by Thai Government officials to be a violation of the decree, which aims to stop gatherings, regardless of size.
Additionally, Governor Aswin also stated all entertainment venues, such as bars, clubs, karaoke lounges, etc. will stay closed until at least the end of April as well.
