Which new protective measures have been implemented to curtail the third wave?

Temporary closure of venues and a 20k fine for not wearing a mask. 

By Natasha Sethi

With the exponential rise in the number of cases in the capital city, Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang has announced stricter measures in order to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Bangkok. We've put together a comprehensive list for those who may not know what those are:

1. TEMPORARY CLOSURES AND STRICTER MEASURES OF 31 VENUES IN BANGKOK 

Starting today, venues considered at risk of further spreading the virus have been ordered to shut down temporarily, while others have to enforce stricter measures. Until further official notice, the closure will be effective for two weeks, until May 9th 2021. 

Venues in Bangkok that have been temporarily shut down:

1. Movie theatres/cinemas 
2. Water and amusement parks 
3. Zoos
4. Skating rinks, rollerblading rinks, other similar recreational venues 
5. Snooker and billiard parlours 
6. Bowling alleys and game arcades 
7. Gaming and internet shops 
8. Public swimming pools 
9. Fitness centres/gyms
10. Exhibition halls, trade exhibition centres, convention centres 
11. Museums 
12. Public libraries 
13. Day care centres (excluding the ones in hospitals) 
14. Elderly care centres (excluding admissions for overnight stays) 
15. Boxing stadiums and schools
16. Martial arts schools 
17. Tattoo and piercing parlours 
18. Ballroom dance halls or academies 
19. Horse racing tracks 
20. Amulet trading markets and centres 
21. Weight-control services, cosmetic and aesthetic clinics, and medical clinics offering aesthetic treatments 
22. Health & wellness establishments (spas, massage shops, beauty treatment shops, traditional Thai and foot massage parlours)
23. All types of race tracks 
24. Public event grounds 
25. Meeting and event venues 
26. Sport venues 
27. Public parks, platforms for public activities, sports grounds 
28. Parties, camping, film & television shootings, religious activities 

Venues in Bangkok with stricter measures: 

1. Department stores, shopping centres, and community malls:
   • Open between 11am – 9pm
   • Promotional events are prohibited 
   • Two-metre distance between chairs in restaurants 
   • Protective screens for distances of less than two metres 
2. Convenience stores 
   • Open between 5am – 10pm 
3. Hair salons and barber shops 
   • Customers must wait outside the shop 
4. Restaurants and food shops outside malls
   • Can serve food until 9pm, and provide takeaways until 11pm. 

2. LIMITS ON GATHERINGS 
Gatherings of more than 20 people have been banned in Bangkok. 

3. 20K FINE FOR NOT WEARING FACE MASKS IN 48 PROVINCES 
Wearing face masks properly at all times when you're out of the house is now compulsory in 48 provinces, including Bangkok. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administrator has announced that legal action will be taken against violators. Violators can be fined up to THB 20,000 for not wearing a mask, or not wearing it correctly. 

Find the full list of 48 provinces, click here. 

4. MASKS NEED TO BE WORN INSIDE CARS WITH MORE THAN ONE PASSENGER
You must wear a mask if you're in a car with one or more people other than yourself, even if it's your own car, or you could be fined up to THB 20,000.