When will Thailand’s booze bans end?
Though there has been no national ban on alcohol sales, all 77 of Thailand’s provincial governors have banned booze in their efforts to slow the spread of Covid-19. Many people have now long run down their pre-ban panic-buying stash. There have also been reports of alcohol dependent residents coming to the surface seeking medical help.
Bangkok and Chiang Mai both began their embargoes on April 10 and provinces which hadn’t already done so quickly fell into line.
But because there are 77 bans, many are confused as to just how long the restrictions in their province will last. Here’s a handy list of when the official alcohol bans finish across the provinces. Of course they may be extended by local governors. Watch you local media for details. Bottomline, if the refrigerators are still locked, the ban is still in place.
April 15: Rayong, Ranong, Bueng Kan, Krabi
April 16: Sakhon Nakhon, Yala, Phichit, Lopburi, Ayutthaya, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son
April 17: Amnat Charoen, Uttaradit, Kalasin, Yasothon, Surat Thani, Khon Kaen*
April 18: Nakhon Ratchasima, Phetchabun
April 19: Nan, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok, Pathum Thani, Trat, Ratchaburi, Songkhla Satun
April 20: Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Chiang Mai, Maha Sarakham (alcohol and cigarette sales allowed 11am to 2pm), Kamphaeng Phet, Nong Bua Lamphu, Phrae, Chaiyaphum, Ang Thong, Lampang, Sukhothai, Uthai Thani, Nonthaburi, Tak, Phayao, Narathiwat, Nong Khai, Nakhon Sawan, Sing Buri
April 22: Pattani
April 30: Nakhon Pathom (convenience stores only), Lamphun, Surin, Buriram, Chai Nat, Suphan Buri, Samut Songkhram, Nakhon Phanom (sales allowed 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 6pm), Roi Et, Mukdahan, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ubon Ratchathani, Kanchanaburi, Prachinburi, Trang, Chanthaburi, Chonburi (sales allowed 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 6pm), Sisaket, Udon Thani, Chumphon, Saraburi, Sa Kaeo, Phetchaburi (only restaurants can sell alcohol), Nakhon Phanom, Phang Nga, Phatthalung, Loei, Nakhon Si Thammarat
No end date has been announced for Phuket and Phitsanulok.
*ADDENDUM: Khon Kaen’s governor yesterday announced restrictions on alcohol sales there will extend until April 30.
SOURCE: Khaosod English
