The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has extended the ban on sales of alcoholic drinks until the end of the month, with the capital still the leading hotspot for coronavirus infections.
Sales of alcohol have been prohibited in the city since April 10, ostensibly to discourage social gatherings during Songkran, and the ban was set to end at midnight last night.
BMA spokesman Pongsakorn Kwanmuang announced yesterday that the City Hall's panel on communicable diseases control had decided to extend the ban for another 10 days, until April 30.
He said the ban is necessary to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the capital and help bring the situation under control. He noted that other provinces are likely to follow suit.
Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang had indicated the ban would be extended well before it was officially announced.
Some shops had already posted signs advising customers that no liquor sales were allowed until the end of the month.
Mr Pongsakorn said the BMA has also agreed to issue guidelines for people who want to distribute food and necessary items in a way that maintains adequate social distancing.
He said the BMA and other concerned authorities will designate 71 points for distribution in 50 districts so that people who come there for food are not exposed to the risk of infection.
At these pickup points, officials will be deployed to check temperatures and ensure that people maintain an appropriate distance from each other. Hand sanitiser will also be provided.
The move comes after Bangkok has seen a growing number of poor and unemployed people receive handouts to ease the financial hardship caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.