The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has ordered the closure, until January 4th, of horse race tracks, cock-fighting and fish-fighting rings, as well as entertainment venues as COVID-19 infections spread to at least 43 provinces.

Entertainment venues facing closure include those serving food and beverages, offer music or karaoke or allow their waitresses to sit or dance with customers.

City Hall Spokesman Pongsakorn Kwanmuang said on Monday that the closures are necessary to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the least impact on businesses and the general public.

Once the situation improves, he said the tough measures will be lifted, but if the situation does not improve in time, they will be extended.

Meanwhile, in the northern province of Chiang Mai, the provincial administration has imposed travel restrictions by requiring all visitors to register details of their accommodation in Chiang Mai and where they intend to visit in the CM Chana system.

Visitors from Samut Sakhon and Rayong, as well as those who have visited risk areas in either of the two provinces, are required to undergo RT-PCR screening and will be subject to 14-days quarantine.

Those who arrive from low-risk areas in Samut Sakhon and Rayong do not need to be quarantined, but will be required to report to health officials for RT-PCT tests.