Thailand bans public gatherings to prevent COVID-19 spread

The Thai government has announced the official ban on rallies and other kinds of public gatherings. In its efforts to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cabinet’s head signed the respective order, The Vietnam Plus reported.

On March 6, the Thai authorities have published an order prohibiting rallies or public gatherings that could risk spreading COVID-19 in provinces at high risk.

The top military official, General Chalermpol Srisawat, signed the order on March 5 prohibiting people from holding rallies or public gatherings in certain provinces. Since March 6, the public gatherings banned in Bangkok, Samut Prakarn, Samut Songkhram, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathum, and Pathum Thani.

People who violate the order will face two years’ imprisonment, or fine up to 40,000 baht ($1,300), or both.

Metropolitan Police chief Pol Lt-General Phukphong Phongpetra said that the bureau has deployed 32 companies of crowd control police, or 4,800 officers, to ensure public safety.