Breaking:

We can confirm that the Provincial Government of Banglamung and Chonburi have ordered, effective tomorrow, March 18th, 2020, that all entertainment venues must close until March 31st, 2020. The Pattaya News spoke with the Banglamung Police Chief over the phone this evening and confirmed the information.

This is a proactive measure to help reduce any potential spread of the Covid-19 Coronavirus.

This effects ALL bars, cinemas, sports venues, karaoke bars, nightclubs, gogos, beer bars, massage parlors, Gentlemen clubs, etc. This is regardless of the size of the venue or bar. It is NOT an alcohol sales ban which is still available from stores.

It does NOT effect restaurants, malls or shops which may stay open, but must ensure proper hygiene measures and at least one meter between patrons.

The Pattaya News notes this is also NOT a lockdown, people are free to move about as normal, it is merely a proactive closure of places that have mass gatherings and potential close contact of others. The order is meant to increase social distancing between people and prohibit large events and groups of people temporarily.

This historic decision essentially will put one of the world’s biggest party cities to sleep for two weeks and put tens of thousands out of work temporarily in a city that depends on the nightlife industry for over 80 percent of its revenue.

This is a developing story.