Bangkok police have pressed charges against food donors after their charitable handouts near Hua Lamphong railway station allegedly failed to comply with measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.
The legal action follows a video clip showing dozens of people huddling to receive free food near Sri Krung Hotel on Krung Kasem Road in Pomprap Sattruphai district. The charity handout, which took place on April 12 at 4.30 pm, turned ugly when a brawl erupted among some of those gathered.
Pol Col Kissana Phattanacharoen, police deputy spokesman, on Monday said officers at Phlapphla Chai 2 police station have investigated the incident and identified the donors whose names were withheld on Monday.
The organisers reported to police and have been charged with violating the ban on public gatherings to contain the outbreak, he said, adding they had failed to comply with social distancing measures.
Pol Col Kissana also said police are tracking down those involved in the brawl.
He urged people who want to distribute food or other necessities to contact local authorities so as to help maintain proper social distancing procedures.
Last Friday Don Muang District Office ordered Wat Don Muang to temporarily stop handing out free food to people as many who gathered were not abiding by necessary social distancing protocols.
Meanwhile, a 22-year-old man has been arrested in Saraburi's Muang district after dancing in the street in defiance of the curfew.
Pol Lt Col Pongsathon Kimphet, an investigator at Muang police station, said the suspect, whose name was withheld, was detained at a checkpoint in tambon Pak Priew Sunday night after police received a tip-off about the curfew violation. The suspect admitted that he had made a post on Facebook at 10.46pm saying he would dance "in the middle of the street" and broadcast it live if there was an audience of at least 200 people.