The Governor of Bangkok has signed an order to close 5 high-risk businesses related to "COVID-19," including "massage parlors," with strict penalties for violations, emphasizing tight control over "cinemas and bars."

Pol. Gen. Aswin Kwanmuang, the Governor of Bangkok, has signed a Bangkok Metropolitan Administration announcement regarding the temporary closure of certain venues (Announcement No. 14), stating that due to the extension of the emergency declaration across all regions of the kingdom (8th time) dated November 23, 2020, the enforcement period has been extended until January 15, 2021, along with the implementation of regulations under Section 9 of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations B.E. 2548 (15th edition) dated December 25, 2020.

Currently, a new outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has been detected in some areas of Bangkok and nearby provinces. Therefore, to prevent the spread of the disease and to comply with the aforementioned regulations, which aim to protect the public health security of the country and prevent an uncontrollable outbreak,

exercising the authority under Section 35(1) of the Communicable Diseases Act B.E. 2548, along with the regulations issued under Section 9 of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations B.E. 2548 (15th edition) dated December 25, 2020, the Governor of Bangkok, with the approval of the Bangkok Communicable Disease Committee,

following the resolution of the 20th meeting of 2020 on December 28, 2020, has ordered the temporary closure of high-risk venues and established monitoring and control measures to curb the spread of the disease as follows:

1. Close high-risk venues

1.1 Racecourses

1.2 Cockfighting arenas and training grounds

1.3 Bullfighting arenas, fish fighting arenas, or similar competitive venues

1.4 Massage parlors

1.5 Any service establishment operating similarly to the above

2. The following venues must strictly adhere to disease control measures to prevent the spread of the disease as attached to this announcement:

2.1 Cinemas, theaters, and performance venues

2.2 Places selling food, alcohol, or other beverages that provide music or other entertainment performances

Violators may face penalties under Section 52 of the Communicable Diseases Act B.E. 2558, with a maximum imprisonment of one year or a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both. They may also face penalties under Section 18 of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations B.E. 2548, with a maximum imprisonment of two years or a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both. If they violate Section 2, they will be ordered to temporarily close the venue.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration urges everyone to wear face masks or cloth masks when leaving their residences, as this is a necessary and urgent measure. Delaying could result in severe harm to the public or affect public interests, thus denying the parties involved the right to contest under Section 30, paragraph two (1) of the Administrative Procedure Act B.E. 2539.

This order is effective from December 29, 2020, to January 4, 2021, or until further notice.