Sale of alcohol banned in Sakon Nakhon
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Stringent measures are being put into place amid the COVID-19 outbreak. From public venues like gyms and nightclubs on lockdown to mandatory social distancing on trains, the virus has turned the world as we know it upside down.
Taking things further is Sakon Nakhon, which has become the first Thai province to ban the sale of alcohol in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19 amongst people.
Governor Witthaya Chanchalong issued the order, which will be in effect from Thursday to 16th April 2020, Khaosod reports.
Preventive measures against social gatherings
The order states that the ban will be imposed in order to keep citizens safe from virus, meaning Sakon Nakhon would have to take the necessary measures to “guard, protect, and control.”
The province currently has 12 reported cases of patients infected with COVID-19.
However, the ban was met with criticism by Thanakorn Kuptajit, the chairman of the Thai Alcoholic Beverage Association. “Those who drink will want to drink,” he said, adding that people could resort to travelling to other provinces in order to buy alcohol, which would put others at risk.
He also shared his concerns over drinkers potentially making or buying illegal moonshine in order to escape the ban.
Those caught breaking the rules and selling alcohol risk a maximum jail term of 1 year and a fine of up to ฿100,000.
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