Thailand’s government has extended the curfew and other tight restrictions in Greater Bangkok and four southern border provinces until August 2. The restrictions will be evaluated after a week and the lockdown measures could stay in place beyond August 2 if the pandemic continues to worsen.
According to the order, published in the Royal Gazette, the measures will also be imposed in three more provinces, Chonburi (Pattaya City), Chachoengsao and Ayutthaya, from Tuesday July 20, bringing the total number of “dark red” provinces to 13. The number of provinces under close watch by authorities, due to high infection rates of COVID-19, will also be increased from 24 to 43.
The restrictions include the closure of all stores in shopping malls at 8 p.m., except for retailers deemed essential. A ban on dining inside eateries continues, while restaurants, wet markets and convenience stores must close from 8pm-4am. No public transport is available from 9 p.m. – 4 a.m.
The order added that new transportation restrictions will apply to the entire country. From Wednesday, all modes of public transport across the country have to limit passengers to half of their capacity.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) on Sunday has issued a ban on commercial domestic flights to destinations in the 13 “dark red” zone provinces, which goes into effect from Wednesday until further notice. (NNT)
 |
 |
 |
