Pattaya’s Law Enforcement Department starts with beach inspections and warnings!
Public beaches will remain open in the Pattaya and Jomtien area, but city officials caution tourists and residents in advance not to use the beach as a gathering place to drink alcohol, hang out in large groups, or throw a party.
We first discussed the situation with the governor of Chonburi, he clarified his position after what was called a previous “misunderstanding” here yesterday.
Previous confusion about beaches and the way legal orders were formulated led some to believe beaches were completely closed – this is not the case, according to Chonburi officials.
However, it IS worth noting that some private beaches, including that of the Royal Thai Navy in Sattahip, have decided to close temporarily until further notice. These private beaches stated that this is done to “protect against the spread of Covid-19.”
However, public beaches, such as Pattaya, Jomtien and Bangsaen Beach, remain open, but officials stated that these are primarily for exercise, swimming and similar activities. Umbrella and beach chair owners can continue their activities, but seating must be at a social distance and no alcohol must be served or taken into these areas.
Officials are deeply concerned about alcohol, as entertainment venues are closed and restaurants are currently not allowed to sell alcohol until further notice due to Covid-19. Thai health officials believe that alcohol causes people to gather in groups and ignore social distance measures.
Therefore, yesterday, law enforcement and city officials, including the Deputy Mayor of Pattaya, Khun Ronnakit Ekkasingh, walked up and down Pattaya beach to inspect the situation and make sure no alcohol was consumed on the beach.
The officials warned that those who break the rules could face charges of up to a year in prison and fines of up to 100,000 baht under the current strict laws of the emergency decree. The officials further noted that they usually issue soft warnings as far as people conform to the rules, but if people don’t follow directions or continue to disobey Covid-19’s safety rules, more severe penalties could be imposed.
Technically speaking, alcohol has always been banned on beaches, but is rarely, if ever, enforced. However, due to the current situation of Covid-19, enforcement has returned. The sale of alcohol in supermarkets and similar licensed stores is not prohibited.
