All 50 district offices were told on Monday not to allow the hosting of celebrity meet-and-greets after a legion of fans reportedly swarmed the Paragon Cineplex on Friday during a promotional event with two actors.
The event reportedly attracted a throng of fans and raised social distancing concerns amid the Covid-19 crisis.
Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, a Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) spokesperson, on Monday said that governor Aswin Kwanmuang had ordered that all 50 districts must refrain from hosting such events in future.
Despite the BMA’s ban on meet-and-greet events, cinemas and theatres are allowed to operate, said Mr Pongsakorn.
Under the “new normal”, cinemas and theatres are allowed to host shows and performances, but only 200 attendees are allowed in each venue. Social distancing rules apply.
Mr Pongsakorn said any venue that violates the measures will be closed and police will charge offenders.
Pol Maj Gen Jirapat Phumijit, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said representatives of the police, Siam Paragon, a tenant, the event organiser and the Bangkok municipality have been called to discuss what happened at Paragon Cineplex.
He said there could have been a violation of the emergency decree and Covid-19 preventive measures.
Police are now investigating the owner and tenant and the organiser will be charged, Pol Maj Gen Jirapat said, adding the owner and tenant could also be charged as accomplices.
Pol Lt Gen Piya Uthayo, assistant police chief and police spokesman, said that according to the investigation, the organiser deliberately violated health laws and the emergency decree.
He said the organiser invited a fan club on social media to appear and meet their favourite stars at the event.
Police are moving forward with the case and more evidence is being collected.
Pol Lt Gen Piya noted that police and the Centre for the Covid-19 Situation Administration were not informed about the event.
He said the organiser told Siam Paragon that it only wanted to rent some space at the mall.