As goes the capital, goes the nation.
Within days of Bangkok banning the sale of alcohol for 11 days, all provinces nationwide have now followed suit.
Though the dates vary in the capital and all 76 provinces, the national center organized to fight COVID-19 under the Interior Ministry on Sunday released a full list indicating all provinces must ban booze sales in April.
Ostensibly meant to discourage people from gathering to celebrate Songkran, it’s a win for prohibitionist elements who annually call for Thailand to go dry during traditional New Year’s celebrations, three days usually marked with widespread public intoxication.
Mental Health Department Director Kiattiphum Wongrajit said the ban is an opportunity for alcoholics to quit drinking or adjust their behavior for the long term. He said they shouldn’t suddenly go cold turkey, but reduce the amount each day. He also advised family and friends to give support during this hard time.
He didn’t address the wisdom of pushing this at a time of national crisis.
Those struggle with alcohol can call hotline 1413. No one answered the line when a call was placed to ask whether English was spoken.
Songkran began today and ends Wednesday. Here’s how long booze is off-limits for in each locale. After these dates, alcohol should be available for sale again.
April 15: Rayong, Ranong, Bueng Kan and Krabi
April 16: Sakon Nakhon, Yala, Pichit, Lopburi, Ayutthaya, Chiang Rai and Maehongson
April 17: Amnat CHaroen, Uttaradit, Kalasin, Yasothon, Surat Thani and Khon Kaen
April 18: Phetchabun and Nakhon Ratchasima
April 19: Nan, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok, Pathum Thani, Trat, Ratchaburi, Songkhla and Satun
April 20: Samut Sakhon, Kampaengpetch, Chiang Mai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Phra, Chaiyaphum, Samut Prakan, Ang Thong, Lampang, Sukhothai, Uthai Thai, Tak, Payao, Narathiwat, Nong Khai, Nakhon Sawan, Sing Buri, Maha Sarakham and Bangkok
April 22: Pattani
April 30: Lamphun, Buriram, Surin, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, Roi Et, Chai Nat, Suphan Buri, Mukdahan, Prachuap Kiri Khan, Ubon Ratchathani, Kanchanaburi, Prachinburi, Trang, Chanthaburi, Sisaket, Udon Thani, Chumphon, Saraburi, Sa Keao, Petchaburi, Nakhon Phanom, Phang-nga, Pattalung, Loei, Chonburi, Nonthaburi and Nakhon Si Thammarat
Until further notice: Phitsanulok and Phuket
Related:
Fear of a dry Bangkok sparks rabid run on liquor, critics slam ‘feeble’ gov’t logic
