The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will extend the ban on sales of alcohol from April 10-20 to the end of this month (April 30), said Dr Chawin Sirinak, director of the BMA’s Health Department, on Monday.

Dr Chawin asserted that even though the number of new cases is decreasing in Bangkok (and nationwide), the ban must still be in place as a cautionary measure because the capital is crowded and is a major transport hub.

Thailand imposed the rule as people were still out drinking even after the State of Emergency was declared on March 26.

Thailand is not the only country in Southeast Asia to have banned the sale of alcohol amid the outbreak. For example, Philippines’ Metro Manila cities are also enforcing a ban for similar reasons; however, their ban will continue until its lockdown is lifted.

The World Health Organization said last week that they “encourage governments to enforce measures which limit alcohol consumption” during lockdown because alcohol consumption “can exacerbate health vulnerability, risk-taking behaviours, mental health issues and violence.”

The extension is expected to be announced after the BMA’s meeting on Monday afternoon, Chawin said.