Thailand Imposes Nationwide Alcohol Ban Across All 77 Provinces... Complete Prohibition on Alcohol Sales

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Thailand, which had previously imposed alcohol sales bans in some areas including the capital Bangkok, has now issued a nationwide alcohol ban across all 77 provinces. Depending on the region, the complete prohibition of alcohol sales in all stores and convenience stores will last from the 20th up to the end of this month. This measure is interpreted as an effort to strengthen 'social distancing' due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to local media such as the Thailand National Times, on the 13th, the Thai government decided to completely ban alcohol sales nationwide, including Bangkok, where the alcohol sales ban had already been implemented. The expansion of the alcohol ban across Thailand was driven by the judgment that social distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 were not being properly established due to gatherings involving alcohol.

Since the declaration of a national emergency on the 26th of last month, bars and clubs have been closed, but residents have reportedly continued to hold private social gatherings by purchasing alcohol at convenience stores or supermarkets. The Songkran holiday, Thailand's traditional festival, which runs from the 13th to the 15th, has also been pointed out as a reason for the continued alcohol sales.

Bangkok, the capital with a population of over 10 million, banned alcohol sales in all stores for ten days from the 10th to the 20th. The duration of the alcohol ban varies by region: in the southern province of Krabi and the southeastern province of Rayong, sales are banned until the 15th; in the northeastern province of Sakon Nakhon, the southern province of Yala, and the northern province of Chiang Rai, the ban continues until the 16th. Additionally, in 27 other areas including the northeastern province of Buriram and Chonburi province, home to the famous tourist destination Pattaya, alcohol sales are prohibited until the end of this month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.