Six Thai Nationals and two foreigners were arrested last night just past 11:00 PM during a raid on a small shop in Soi Khao Talo allegedly selling alcohol and violating the current emergency decree to help control the spread of the Covid-19 Coronavirus.
Pol. Col. Kengsart Nuanphong of the Nongprue Police told the associated media he and his team had a complaint from a concerned citizen that a shop was allegedly selling alcohol for dine in customers and allowing people to socialize and gather. Both of these items are against the Thai Emergency Decree which is designed to help prevent the spread of the Covid19 Coronavirus. The citizen allegedly told police they were afraid the group could spread the virus by gathering.
The Police discovered a total of four Thai men, two Thai women and two foreign nationals allegedly consuming alcoholic beverages at the shop. All eight were arrested, including the shop owner.
The Nongprue Police did not release the names of the suspects.
All eight face the stiff penalities of the emergency decree which could mean up to 100,000 baht fines (3000 USD) and/or two years in jail. Additionally, the shop owner will also face extra charges relating to the sale of alcohol for dine in. The group also face charges of violating the decree rules against gathering.
Under the emergency decree, any number of people gathering, especially around alcohol and past curfew, is a serious offense according to Nongprue Police.
Source: The Pattaya News
