Khon Kaen still enforcing unpopular alcohol ban at least 2 more weeks

Khon Kaen’s governor announced yesterday that the province will continue its highly strict, unpopular ban of alcohol from all restaurants for at least two more weeks. After two weeks, the ban will be reevaluated. Even though Thailand has allowed bars to reopen as temporary restaurants, Khon Kaen enforces stricter laws, and doesn’t even allow restaurants to serve alcohol. Alcohol can still be bought in grocery stores, though.

Khon Kaen’s ban from all restaurants first started on February 23. The governor decided to continue the ban due to the number of Covid-19 cases being high in the province. The governor added that events with over 50 people are also still banned. He said the situation for Songkaran will be reviewed before the date comes, but offered no further comment on Khon Kaen’s plans for restrictions during the holiday.

The ban has drawn backlash from business owners, who claim the ban hasn’t stopped Covid-19 from spreading. It’s not clear whether or not business owners impacted by the ban will receive financial support in the meantime.

Last week, Pattaya’s public relations department made an announcement ‘requesting‘ people not hold gatherings of over 50 people. Unlike in Khon Kaen, however, Pattaya authorities have not enforced this as an official law. Like Khon Kaen, Pattaya’s economy struggles under Covid-19 restrictions. Last week, Pattaya entertainment officials proposed extending closing times to 1am instead of the current 11pm. Pattaya also postponed a music festival last month after 1,250 new Covid-19 infections hit Chon Buri province.

SOURCE: The Pattaya News