Branches ordered closed in 13 provinces
The Thai Bankers’ Association (TBA) yesterday announced the temporary closure of physical branches of commercial banks located in department stores, shopping centres and community malls in 13 provinces, in line with the government’s tightening restrictions to contain the Covid-19 outbreak.
The TBA announced that commercial banks need to temporarily close brick-and-mortar branches located in department stores, shopping centers, and community malls in 13 provinces under the government’s curfew and lockdown measures. The closure of the branches will be effective from today, it said in a statement.
Commercial banks may need to close additional outlets to comply with future additional measures of the government, provincial and local regulatory bodies in accordance with the situation.
The government announced the extension of the existing curfew and other restrictions in Greater Bangkok and four southern border provinces until at least Aug 2, and added three more provinces to the list today.
The curfew from 9pm-4am and other restrictions have been in force since last Monday in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Pathum Thani and Nakhon Pathom, as well as the southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala.
The strict measures are now also to be imposed in three more provinces — Chon Buri, Chachoengsao and Ayutthaya — from today, according to the Royal Gazette published on Saturday, bringing the total number of provinces placed under lockdown to 13.
In addition, the TBA announced that services of bank branches located in department stores, shopping malls and community malls outside the 13 curfew and lockdown provinces are still available, while the closing time is set at 5pm.
Stand-alone branches’ services nationwide can open for 5-7 days per week depending on the bank’s consideration, and services of such branches will be closed at 3.30pm.
Meanwhile, standalone banking branches in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat will be closed at 3pm.
The TBA advises commercial banks to limit customer numbers doing financial transactions at a branch under social distance and sanitation.
Bank branch services need to consider the safety of customers and staff.
To ensure convenience of banking transactions, the TBA recommends consumers use mobile banking apps and digital channels including PromptPay or QR codes for payment to limit the risk of infection.