To pre-empt protests by anti-government groups, which may disrupt Thailand’s reopening to foreign travellers on Monday, Armed Forces Commander General Chalermpol Srisawat, who is in charge of overseeing security during the current “emergency situation”, issued a ban on Thursday on public gatherings or activities which may risk the spread of COVID-19 or increase public suffering.

The announcement, which has been published in the Royal Gazette, will be enforced across the country. It cites the necessity for economic recovery, rehabilitation, the improvement of the livelihoods of the people and the need to build confidence among foreign tourists that they will be safe from COVID-19 during their stay in the country.

Violations, upon conviction, will be subject to two years imprisonment and/or a fine of no more than 40,000 baht.