Mueang Chonburi –
The Saen Suk police raided a pub in Bang Saen last night (December 5th) for allegedly allowing people to drink alcohol and socialize despite strict Covid-19 rules currently in place in the Chonburi province outside the ‘Blue Zone’ area.
A team from the Saen Suk police raided the ‘SEWANA PG’ pub in Soi Jari, Saen Suk sub-district. The raid came following a phone call from the Chonburi Provincial Police Commander who reportedly personally spotted the venue opened and called local police to hold the venue responsible.
The Chonburi Provincial Police Deputy Commander Colonel Maykawit Praditpon told TPN media, “I was driving nearby when I noticed the nightclub was opened and appeared to be operating normally, which is against disease control orders. I immediately called the Saen Suk Police and demanded they take action.”
“Lots of tourists were found drinking alcohol and there was a live music show inside. They used paper cups, however, there was alcohol inside.” Colonel Maykawit stated.
Colonel Maykawit had previously been the Pattaya Acting Police Chief, notes TPN media, and was responsible for overseeing dozens of similar raids during the Pattaya alcohol ban over the past eight months.
Ms. Jitsinee Sartsap, the nightclub owner, told Saen Suk police, “I was just testing sound and lights inside for a future opening when some customers arrived and asked if they could sit and stay, I didn’t want to upset any customers so I allowed them to do so. I thought that all restaurants in Chonburi were allowed to sell alcohol again.”
Colonel Maykawit stated, in response to the club owner’s statements, “The owner was taken to the Saen Suk Police Station to face charges of opening an entertainment venue without the proper permit and breaking the Chonburi Disease Control orders. We have been very clear to owners in Bang Saen that the Chonburi Provincial Governor and Communicable Disease Committee have not allowed alcohol sales at restaurants or opening of pubs or nightlife in Mueang Chonburi. This exception is limited to blue zones only.”
The Chonburi Governor released new orders on Friday evening (December 3rd) through their Public Relations Facebook page allowing alcohol sales and drinks at qualified restaurants in the Chonburi ‘Blue Zone’ areas including Pattaya, Koh Larn, Sattahip, Na Jomtien, Koh Si Chang, Bang Saray, parts of Si Racha, and Banglamung. However, Bang Saen, a popular tourist area but part of Mueang Chonburi, was not included.
Pattaya and other Chonburi ‘Blue Zones’ officially allowed to sell alcohol in restaurants
Four restaurant managers have been arrested this weekend after allegedly allowing alcohol sales and drinks at their restaurants in Bang Saen, in Saen Suk over the past weekend (December 3rd).
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