Wearing A Mask In Thailand Is Now Only Voluntary

Illustration of a Bangkok resident wearing a mask (Photo by Norbert Braun on Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The COVID-19 situation which is getting better in Thailand has made the government there issue the latest decision. It is no longer mandatory to wear a mask both inside and outside the room.

The Thai government has revoked its mask mandate as soon as the COVID-19 situation in the country improves, reads the announcement signed by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha quoted by Channel News Asia, Friday 24 June.

"The use of hygienic masks or cloths must be voluntary," reads the announcement published in the Royal Gazette.

The lifting of the mask requirement applies to indoor and outdoor spaces, an official source at the Ministry of Public Health told CNA.

However, the ministry still advises people to wear masks in crowded places or areas. Moreover, keep your distance and the room does not have good ventilation.

For those who are at high risk for severe symptoms or death of COVID-19 such as people aged 60 years and over, pregnant women, and people with cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or chronic kidney disease, it is still advised to wear a mask properly at all times. there are other people around.

The same advice applies to individuals infected with COVID-19 and high-risk contacts and people with respiratory illnesses.

According to the announcement, the public is encouraged to consider the benefits of wearing proper masks to prevent the transmission of diseases, including COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, as well as reduce other health risks.

Thailand will also relax entry rules for travelers, canceling the outdoor mask mandate as it transitions to a COVID-19 endemic. Entertainment venues, pubs, bars and restaurants selling alcohol are also permitted to operate in compliance with laws and disease prevention measures.