If ever there was something to spark some panic buying in Bangkok, that moment has come.

Starting at midnight, no alcohol will be sold for 11 days in Bangkok in a bid to discourage partying and virus-spreading during the traditional New Year period. (Ed. note: Of course with the 10pm curfew, that leaves few hours of chaos-shopping.)

Capt. Pongsakorn Kwangmuang of City Hall said Bangkok will ban sales tomorrow through April 20.

Terrified of life without alcohol? Just make a run to the Bangkok border.

He said that the ban is to prevent social gathering and drinking that would help reduce COVID-19 infections in the capital city. Songkran, a typically sodden period of soggy parties and carousing nationwide, is next week.

Currently, 10 provinces nationwide have imposed bans on alcohol sales: Sakon Nakhon (until April 16), Chiang Mai (until April 20), Rayong (until April 15), Buriram (until April 30), Mukdahan (until April 30), Suphan Buri (until April 30), Nakhon Pathom (until April 30), Lamphun (until April 30), Chonburi (from 6am – 6pm) and Surin (until April 30).

Update: Fear of a dry Bangkok sparks rabid run on liquor, critics slam ‘feeble’ gov’t logic



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