(CNN) – In an effort to curb the coronavirus tide, Thailand has banned food, drink and any printed material other than the safety information card aboard domestic flights. Airlines will have to comply with the regulations or may suffer possible sanctions from their regulator, the Thai Civil Aviation Authority.
This is the second time this move has been made. Thailand previously banned food and beverage service during the flight on April 26, 2020, but that ban was lifted on August 31.
Chula Sukmanop, director general of the Thai Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT), confirmed the measure to CNN.
“The cleaning time after each stop of the domestic flight is extremely short, as operators usually make the change as quickly as possible and I think it is unlikely that operators will be able to thoroughly clean all these items. Therefore, have materials non-essential readings on -board would create more risk of exposure to the virus, ”he said.
This is not to say that passengers will have to find a way to waste time without wanting to read. They are allowed to bring their own magazines or newspapers on board, but will probably be asked to take these items with them when they disappear. The CAA ban applies to anything that would be delivered on board, such as menus, tax-free catalogs (not a number for domestic travel) or in-flight magazines.
Consumption of food or drink is also prohibited on domestic flights, even if passengers carry it on board, as masks must be worn at all times.
According to a CAAT statement, cabin crew will be able to provide water if passengers so request, which can happen in situations where, for example, someone needs water to take medication.
Domestic air travel in Thailand currently has about 40% of the usual capacity.
The sentence went into effect on December 31st.