THE Thai Bankers Association announced the temporary closure of all bank branches located in department stores, shopping centres and community malls within the 13 deep red provinces from tomorrow (July 20) to step up preventive measures against coronavirus, Siam Rath newspaper said.
The association said this is in keeping with Section 9 of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration B.E. 2548 with the 13 provinces affected being Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat as well as three newly added provinces Chachoengsao, Chonburi and Ayutthaya.
Details of bank branch closure and adjustment of opening hours are as follows:
– 1. All banks have to temporarily close their branches in department stores, shopping centres and community malls in these 13 provinces from tomorrow onwards. Closure of some additional branches will be considered and customers are advised to check each bank’s website to see which ones are open.
– 2. Bank opening hours have been adjusted as follows:
– Branches in department stores, shopping centres and community malls located outside the deep red zone may stay open until 5 p.m.;
– Stand alone bank branches may open for five or seven days depending on the decision of each bank but for no later than 3.30 p.m.;
– Bank branches in three southern provinces, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, may stay open till 3 p.m.
– 3. Both service channels and the number of customers are to be reduced to decrease congestion while ensuring social distance is maintained.
The association said this decision was made to ensure the safety of both customers and employees. The public is urged to conduct their transactions via mobile banking services such as PromptPay or QR Code payment system in order to reduce risk and cut down on travel.
The association added that normal service will resume as soon as the situation permits.
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