Thousands of curfew violators arrested in 72-day span

Police arrested more than 40,000 people for breaking the nightly curfew which lasted 72 days. An average of 582 people were arrested per day during the restriction period, police say.

Many people intercepted simply didn’t have a good reason for being out of their home late at night, according to police. They say a common reason for breaching curfew was that a family member fell ill during the night or early morning and needed medical attention. Those arrested for breaking the curfew could face 2 years in prison and a fine up to 40,000 baht.

So many people were arrested for violating curfew restrictions that officials sent the violators with minor offenses to volunteer at temples. As of last month, the director-general of the Department of Probation said more than 2,000 curfew offenders were sent to temples. Some had to stay 7 days to a month.

The curfew, aimed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, was lifted on June 15. While police don’t have to worry about patrolling curfew checkpoints late at night, now young illegal motorbike racers are back on the streets.

SOURCES: Xinhua| Bangkok Post