Pattaya and Jomtien Police warn residents against drinking alcohol and partying on beaches, house parties

Chonburi-

Law enforcement officials have been warning local residents against drinking alcohol and throwing parties on local beaches as well as throwing house parties due to recent concerns over the Covid-19 coronavirus in Chonburi.

This follows Bangkok Metropolitan Administration spokespeople also warning residents of the danger of house parties in the current environment and how people should not be gathering in this manner as it could spread the Covid-19 coronavirus.  Additionally, gatherings along this line could also violate the current emergency decree to help control the virus in Thailand and lead to strict legal penalties such as jail time and expensive fines.

Pattaya and Jomtien police were seen driving around local beaches such as Jomtien, Pattaya, and the Dongtan beach area this afternoon using loudspeakers to warn residents not to gather in large groups and drink alcohol on the beach. Law Enforcement officials have said they will be out on the beach over the weekend, which is generally busier on local beaches, to ensure people are socially distancing, that there are not large groups sitting together and that people are not getting intoxicated on the beach.

The Pattaya News notes that alcohol has, technically, been banned from drinking on the beach for a significant period of time but has not been enforced as it is a popular activity for Thai domestic tourists. On a “normal” weekend it is not uncommon to see dozens of groups of Thais drinking and socializing together on the local beaches.

However, with all entertainment venues closed and restaurants not allowed to sell alcohol for in-store customers law enforcement is concerned people will go drinking on local beaches and possibly forget social distancing and mask rules. Therefore, they say they are stepping up action to ensure people are not drinking on the beach.

Police are, at this time, mostly focusing on educating people and asking them to stop drinking. However, if people refuse to stop drinking or the behavior continues fines and legal penalties are possible.

Beaches remain open in Chonburi although social distancing, mask-wearing, and other precautionary rules apply according to law enforcement. They added that if you believe people are throwing parties or breaking rules designed to help stop the Covid-19 coronavirus you can call and report violators at 1337.