Police on April 20 sent 13 people to Battambang Provincial Court after they were arrested for gathering to gamble on rainfall in violation of the government's Covid-19 preventive measures.

Provincial traffic police chief Sat Kimsan told The Post on April 20 that a joint force raided the gathering place behind Phou Puy Supermarket the previous day.

He said the 13, including one woman, were sent to court on the morning of April 20 for further legal procedures.

"They will be punished in accordance with the law," he said.

Provincial court spokesman Phan Ratana said the suspects were being questioned.

"We will examine the case further upon questioning," he said.

Battambang is among the provinces hit by the ongoing Covid-19 community outbreak. In an effort to curb the spread of the virus, provincial governor Nguon Ratanak on April 18 temporarily shut eight markets in Battambang town and two markets in Thma Koul district.

Gathering is banned in the province except among household members residing in the same home.