Thailand is preparing to restrict some aspects of daily life after the country’s biggest spike in coronavirus cases, further damaging one of Asia’s weakest economic outlooks.

The steps to be considered Monday include placing more curbs on foreign arrivals, canceling events with big crowds and closing entertainment venues deemed risky for spreading the virus. Confirmed cases jumped by 32 on Sunday to 114, sparking fears of a bigger outbreak and some panic buying of groceries.

The Thai economy was already reeling from a collapse in the critical tourism sector amid lock-downs worldwide to slow the transmission of the disease known as Covid-19. A drought and delayed public spending are additional blows, leaving Thailand with the highest odds of recession among Asian nations -- at 30% -- after Japan, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

In a shock move, an urgent meeting of the Covid-19 Administration Centre, chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, today approved a motion to postpone the Songkran holidays from April 13-15 to later, undisclosed dates. Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Thanadirek made the announcement on her Twitter account this afternoon. Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year festival.
A source at the centre also revealed that within a week it will present to the Cabinet a motion to have all entertainment venues close at 8pm and all universities close their campuses and provide online classes beginning April 1, “until the situation improves.”

Many official Songkran events in various regions across the country had already been cancelled (with the exception of religious ceremonies), including the usual water wars and festivals that normally bring millions of tourists and Thais out to party. Today’s unprecedented decision marks the first action taken on a national scale.

hunter8 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 16, 2020 11:20 pm Pattaya has not surrendered to this global lunacy yet. Girls dancing, beer is sold. Party time. Let this new type of flu f*ck off here and go scare the rest of the world.

Sources in Patttaya have confirmed tonight that the provincial government of Chon Buri, including the Bang Lamung district, has ordered that, from tomorrow, all entertainment venues must close until the last day of the month. The Pattaya News spoke with the Banglamung Police Chief this evening and confirmed the information. He says it’s a proactive measure to reduce the potential spread of the Covid-19 Coronavirus .

Pattaya has not reported a single confirmed case of the virus.

The announcement affects all bars, cinemas, sports venues, karaoke bars, nightclubs, beer bars, massage parlors, “gentlemen’s clubs,” et al, regardless of their size. It is not an alcohol sales ban. Alcohol will still available from stores.

It does not affect restaurants, malls or shops, which may stay open provided they ensure proper hygiene measures and enforce “social distancing” of at least one metre physical separation between patrons.

The move does not denote a “lockdown,” as people are free to move about as normal;

PHUKET: Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana has given the order for all entertainment venues, including bars, to close for 14 days.
The order, issued last night, comes into effect today (Mar 18).

All sports venues, cinemas and massages shops must remain closed for 14 days, Governor Phakaphong said,