People are more afraid of starvation than the law


People In Pattaya Break Night CurfewImage adapted from: Siamrath

Thailand has implemented a night curfew from 2 months since April 2020 in order to control the number of COVID-19 infections in the country. Recently, locals in Pattaya ignored the curfew and other safety measures just to stand in line to wait for a donation in the middle of the night. 


Starvation is scarier than diseases and the law


People In Pattaya Break Night CurfewImage credit: Siamrath

On 28th May 2020, the Norwegian Church at Pattaya, Chonburi province scheduled to offer 2,000 sets of food and essentials for locals at 9AM. 

Due to the fear of losing a chance to get their hands on the meals, locals started to form a line as early as 1AM. Over 1,000 locals broke the night curfew to stand in line and also ignored social distancing rules. 

People in Pattaya ignore social distancing measure
Image credit: MGR Online

Police officers visited the spot to convince them to go back home, but they eventually got back in line after the officers left. 

As reported on Channel 3 Thailand, locals said that they were afraid of starvation more than the officers or COVID-19. 

People in Pattaya ignore social distancing measureImage credit: MGR Online

The situation is rather heartwrenching and reflects the difficult situation many people are facing now. 

The authorities urged people to pay attention to their health and follow the proper measures in order for everybody to get through this situation as soon as possible. 

Keep up with COVID-19 situation in Thailand: 


Enjoying The Smart Local Thailand? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all things Thailand

Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.