Thailand’s military rulers have now completely removed the overnight curfew in all areas of the country.
The midnight to 4am curfew was imposed nationwide following the 22 May coup, but has been gradually eased in many areas of the country, including most major tourist destinations.
And as of the evening of Friday 13 June 2014, the National Council for Peace & Order (NCPO) has now lifted the restrictions in all areas of the country, including the capital Bangkok.
“As the overall situation in many places has eased and there is no sign of violence, to reduce the impact on people’s livelihoods and to promote tourism the NCPO orders the lifting of the curfew in every area immediately,” the junta said in a televised announcement on Friday night.
That latest ruling brings key cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai into line with 22 other provinces, which had previously seen the curfew lifted.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) once again welcomed the decision.
“The nationwide lifting of the curfew shows the world that things are moving forward here in Thailand and that tourism has not been disrupted,” said Thawatchai Arunyik, governor of the TAT. “This latest announcement by the NCPO should help reassure everyone coming for a holiday in Thailand… that it’s business as usual.”
The move also coincides with the recent populist decision by the NCPO to make the World Cup free to air on Thai television. With all World Cup matches kicking off between 11am and 5am, the decision to ease restrictions on overnight movements will be welcomed by football-loving Thais, expats and tourists wanting to watch the games in the more social atmosphere of pubs and bars.
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