The government on Wednesday banned all gatherings "posing a risk of disease transmission", effective immediately in Covid-affected zones.
The ban was announced after the country recorded 250 new cases in a single day.
With the country now designated into zones according to the severity of each area's situation, those gatherings and activities that would draw crowds in "maximum control zones" and "control zones" are prohibited.
However, two exceptions were also announced: government activities and gatherings held in private households.
Gatherings and activities in government-designated "close surveillance zones" and "surveillance zones" can take place if they receive approval from provincial governors.
Provincial governors will announce which areas are maximum control, control, close surveillance and surveillance zones.
Violators will face a jail term of up to two years and/or a fine of up to 40,000 baht.
Two hundred and fifty new cases were recorded on Wednesday, including 241 transmitted locally, eight returnees in state quarantine and one who sneaked into the country illegally.
The recent outbreak is divided into three clusters. The first is linked to the Central Shrimp Market in Samut Sakhon, the second to illegal gambling dens in Rayong and the third to entertainment venues in Bangkok.
Infections linked to entertainment venues in Bangkok rose to 125.
The Chon Buri governor on Wednesday declared Pattaya and the rest of Bang Lamung district as a maximum control zone. This means that schools, childcare centres, entertainment venues and cinemas are among businesses that are to shut immediately. Dining out is banned and convenience stores must close from 10pm-5am. However, travel in and out of Bang Lamung is still allowed.
In Bangkok, 17 new cases were reported on Wednesday and were traced to three risk areas: the shrimp market in Samut Sakhon, the city's entertainment venues and a shoe-making factory in Bang Khun Thian district.
A condominium in Bang Yai district will be sealed off until Jan 12 after Covid-19 cases were reported there. The building reportedly houses more than 100 migrant workers from Myanmar.
