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BANGKOK, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Thailand has imposed a curfew nationwide starting on Friday to prevent people from leaving home at night to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced on Thursday that the curfew is effective nationwide between 10.00 p.m. and 04.00 a.m. (local time) daily, beginning on Friday.

Thailand earlier declared emergency rule to contain the COVID-19 spread but the number of confirmed cases has been growing on daily basis, totaling 1,875 on Thursday.

The Center for the COVID-19 Situation Administration has repeatedly called on people to stay home either in the daytime or at night to reduce the risks of infection.

In Bangkok, all retail stores, convenience stores and cell phone shops were on Wednesday ordered to close between midnight and 05.00 a.m. (local time), according to Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang.

Department stores, discount stores and marketplaces throughout the capital were earlier ordered to temporarily shut down, except for restaurants and food shops which have promised to remain open only for to-go orders.

In several provinces, including Bangkok's adjacent province of Nonthaburi, a curfew has already been effective before Thursday.