Curfew and containment measures to be imposed in 10 provinces starting today

Bangkok 12 July 2021 – The Committee on COVID-19 Situation Administration, during its meeting on 9 July 2021 chaired by Prime Minister and Defence Minster General Prayut Chan-o-cha, decided to impose a curfew in 10 provinces to be effective from 12 July 2021 onwards, in order to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The 10 provinces, which are in the maximum and strict COVID-19 control zone, are Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, and Songkhla.

Under the curfew, local residents are prohibited from leaving their dwelling places, from 9.00 pm to 04.00 am of the following day, except in case of necessity. The following strict measures will also be imposed temporarily:

• Work from home is encouraged for government offices, state enterprises and the private sector;
• Public transport must stop operating from 9.00 pm to 04.00 am;
• Convenience stores and all-night markets must be closed from 8.00 pm to 04.00 am;
• Department stores, shopping centres, and malls must be closed, except for supermarkets, food and beverage shops, banks, financial institutions, pharmacies, communication services and vaccination venues, which may stay open until 8.00 pm;
• Food and beverage shops may open until 8.00 pm, but only for takeaways;
• Massage shops, spas, and beauty clinics must be closed;
• Public parks may open for exercise until 8.00 pm;
• Gatherings of more than five people are prohibited, except for religious functions and traditional activities;

The organising of group activities with more than five people is prohibited; and schools, educational institutions, and training venues must follow measures announced earlier. All of these measures will be imposed for at least 14 days or until the COVID-19 situation improves.

Any persons who violate or fail to comply with these regulations may be guilty of an offence under Section 52 of the Communicable Disease Act B.E. 2558 (2015) and shall be liable to imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to THB100,000, or both. Moreover, they may be guilty of an offence under Section 18 of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations B.E. 2548 (2005) and shall be liable to imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to THB40,000, or both.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has suspended air travel between 9.00 pm and 04.00 am, in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 for passengers and personnel involved. The suspension is effective also from today, 12 July 2021, onwards until further notice. People have also been urged to avoid interprovincial travel during this time.

– Construction+ Online

Source: Government PR Department