More penalties sought over club outbreaks
A network of civic society groups is demanding the closure of two entertainment venues in the Thong Lor area which have been linked to the latest surge of Covid-19 cases.
Theerapat Khahawong, coordinater of the Youth Network Against New Drinkers, said the police must investigate if Krystal Club and Emerald Club broke Order No 22/2558 issued by the National Council for Peace and Order, which governs night entertainment venues, as well as other laws governing drugs and human trafficking.
Under the NCPO’s order, a pub or nightclub which allows people under the age of 20 to enter, as well as venues which operate beyond permitted hours, will have its licence revoked, or be ordered to close for five years.
Mr Theerapat urged authorities to inspect entertainment venues in other provinces as well to make sure they comply with disease control measures, which have been rolled out to help curb the spread of Covid-19.
“The government must consider harsher penalties for operators which failed to follow the regulations, exposing their venues’ patrons to excessive risks of Covid-19 transmission,” he said.
“Taking legal action against the clubs’ managers won’t be enough.”
Bangkok South Kwaeng Court sentenced the managers of both venues to two months in prison on April 9, after finding them guilty of violating the government’s emergency decree, as well as the Entertainment Places Act.
However, calls are growing for legal action against the shareholders and executives of both nightclubs. Investigations are underway to determine whether shareholders and executives should face charges for neglecting Covid-19 preventive measures.
Visanu Srithawongse, programme manager of public policy of the Stopdrink Network, said the government should consider closing nightspots until the Covid-19 situation improves because visitors rarely practise social distancing measures.
Former massage parlour tycoon Chuwit Kamolwisit yesterday reiterated his call for the government to investigate the clubs’ owners and bring them to justice. “Doesn’t the prime minister care to know who has caused damage to the country during the Songkran festival? I don’t think [the government] will stop at the transfer of [Thong Lor] police,” he wrote on Facebook.
Pol Maj Gen Sophon Sarapat, chief of Metropolitan Police Division 5, said investigators have yet to decide whether the club owners will be summonsed for questioning, although he said neither club had the right licences to operate.