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Thai province bans alcohol sale to curb spread of coronavirus
ASEAN+
Tuesday, 31 Mar 20208:42 PM MYT

BANGKOK: Sakon Nakon province, in Thailand's upper north-east, became the first in the country to ban the sale of alcohol in efforts to stop the spread of the Covid-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.

The ban is effective from Tuesday until at least April 16, according to an announcement by Sakon Nakhon governor Monsit Paisarntanawat.

Thailand has been under a state of emergency since Thursday, during which governors in each province have been given jurisdiction to form measures that would curb the spread of the virus.

Social gatherings of all kinds have been forbidden throughout the country as people are urged to avoid travelling and stay home.

There is no reason to think alcohol spreads the virus, but other countries have also banned alcohol in an attempt to minimise gatherings where the virus could spread.

Violators to the alcohol sale ban in Sakon Nakhon face up to one year in prison and an up to 100,000 baht fine.

Chonburi province, home to the city of Pattaya, a red-light hub, has also closed its shops and bars. Since Monday, alcohol sales are only available during the daytime.

The alcohol bans come after a group of drinkers in Bangkok was central to one of the virus' main outbreaks.

Officials have advised people to refrain from social drinking to avoid spreading the virus.

Bangkok has also shut down most places where people meet such as schools, malls, sports clubs, and massage parlours. Supermarkets and drug stores remain open while restaurants are only allowed to offer take outs and deliveries.

Popular beaches in Pattaya and Phuket are also closed.

Thailand has reported 1,351 coronavirus cases and 10 deaths. - dpa/Asian News Network
Thai province bans alcohol sale to curb spread of coronavirus | The Star Online