Bangkok’s Not‑So‑“Flat‑Out” 30‑Day Dash
On Sunday, Bangkok’s got a fresh set of rules that could make even the most relaxed city dwellers feel a little cramped. The Thai government rolled out a 30‑day curfew‑style patchwork that’s designed to stop the spike of COVID‑19 cases from hitting the capital and its neighbor provinces.
What’s on the Menu?
- Dine‑in ban – Restaurants can’t host diners from Monday. The policy covers Bangkok and five nearby provinces.
- Nightshops to bars – Shopping malls must close by 9 p.m. The same rule applies to any bars or retail hubs that stay open past that hour.
- Zoom‑Out on Parties – Any gathering of more than 20 people – parties, celebrations, block parties – is off‑limits for the whole 30‑day run.
- Construction shut‑down – All six of the targeted areas see a hard stop on construction sites, and the workers’ camps (there’re about 81,000 folks living on 575 sites) are sealed to keep clusters from spreading.
- Travel checkpoints – Bangkok and the five provinces will host checkpoints to curb the movement of construction workers, and four southern provinces near Malaysia will get the same treatment.
Why the Fuss?
Since May, there have been 37 clusters found in construction camps around Bangkok. The Ministry’s new order is the government’s way of tightening up after a rash of outbreaks that kept the population on their toes.
Social Media’s Take
- The hashtag #BangkokLockdown started trending early on Sunday.
- Netizens were quick to voice their disappointment, saying that the timing caught them flat‑as‑a‑board.
Prime Minister’s Spin
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan‑ocha preferred to steer clear of the word “lockdown.” Instead, he emphasized that the focus is on targeting specific businesses and events to keep the virus at bay.
