Bangkok-
The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration and Thai Government, in an order already published in the Royal Gazette, have ordered the reinstatement of checkpoints around the country formerly used for curfew checks during the emergency decree.
The order is effective as of today.
The order follows a warning from Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha yesterday that if the population could not behave considering bringing back curfew could take place.
He was specifically referring to incidents of house parties and illegal street bike racing that were reported overnight on Sunday night, which was the first actual night of curfew.
However, pictures of large groups of people drinking in areas across the country, including Pattaya, circulated on social media today from last night, causing additional concern among officials.
Under the emergency decree, gatherings are still against the law and can face harsh penalties of up to two years in jail and/or a 100,000 baht fine. There is no specific number on what constitutes an illegal gathering which allows authorities leeway to make decisions.
Thai officials are also expected to use the checkpoints to deter drunk driving.
