Thai capital reiterates shutdown to venues, businesses until end of May

Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang has reiterated a temporary shutdown to a number of venues and businesses in the Thai capital under the emergency rule to contain the spread of the COVID-19.

In a statement on Saturday, Aswin said the closure will be effective from Sunday until the end of this month to the public venues and businesses, reiterating the importance of maintaining social distancing.

Violators may be subjected to a maximum of one year in jail or a maximum of 100,000 baht (about 3,095 U.S. dollars) in fine or both, according to the statement.

Bangkok's venues and businesses, which now remain in temporary closure, include entertainment venues, pubs, bars, karaoke clubs, massage parlours and boxing stadiums.

Though shopping malls and department stores remain temporarily closed under the emergency rule, supermarkets, restaurants and food shops have been allowed to reopen.