THAILAND’S LIFTING OF BAN ON ALCOHOLIC DRINKS SPURS PANIC-BUYING

Thailand’s sudden lifting of a ban on the sale of alcoholic drinks imposed last April has spurred panic-buying. The ban, which was in effect in 77 provinces, was lifted on May 3, a day after the government said the prohibition could be extended to May 31.

In an article written by Pearly Neo in Food Navigator Asia.com on May 6, she said Thai Deputy Prime Minister Wissamu Kreangam issued the order to lift the ban and argued that alcoholic drinks were not “forbidden substances” and could be purchased at food and retail outlets before consumption at home.

As a result of the lifting of the ban, buyers invaded stores, stripping shelves of beer and other items even as millions wondered why the government had to make the precipitate move in a country that has been gripped with fear of the deadly pandemic. #coronavirusimpact #COVID19