Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Monday threatened to ban gatherings of more than five people if the Covid-19 pandemic situation in the country gets worse.

Speaking to media after the controversy surrounding attempts by authorities to stop the Big Mountain Music Festival over the weekend, Prayut said he may use the emergency decree to prevent large public gatherings.

Currently, the Covid-19 situation did not warrant such a ban, said the prime minister.

"What should we do if we have an outbreak after the concert in Nakhon Ratchasima? Or an outbreak after a concert in Bangkok. What should we do? It's all back to lockdown. So, every one needs to help. The emergency decree is needed when necessary," he said.

Nevertheless, New Year celebrations and countdown events will be allowed to proceed but with strict rules in place, especially in Bangkok, the prime minister said.


Meanwhile, Nakhon Ratchasima governor said he had filed complaints with police against the organisers of the Big Mountain Music Festival for violating an order to end the concert early.