Reopening bars: People drinking alcohol are difficult to control and risk spreading virus. Thai Visa



Picture: Siam Rath

 

The Committee for Covid-19 Situation Administration has placed the blame squarely with drinkers of alcohol for not opening pubs and bars in Thailand.

 

Dr Aphisamai Srirangsan said the CCSA sympathized with the industry after they begged the government to let them reopen the multi-billion baht industry last week. 

 

But, she said, infections of Covid-19 are caused by the "actions of people" and people drinking alcohol make it hard to control situations, reported Siam Rath. 

 

She said they lose their restraint making bars and pubs hotbeds for the potential spread of the virus.

 

She urged pubs and clubs to demonstrate how they can mitigate this tendency and show how they can reopen safely.

 

Thaivisa notes that such comments are likely to enflame industry leaders who say they have fallen over backwards to ensure safe environments for people to enjoy a beverage. 

 

What is a massive industry in Thailand is currently on its knees begging to be included in other businesses that have been allowed to reopen this week and in recent days. 

 

Yet the authorities, with the good doctor included, continue to blame drinkers above most others.