Thailand: the mask still worn as a precaution despite an easing of restrictions

Wearing a mask outdoors will now be on a voluntary basis, the government has announced.

Only high-risk or infected people are required to keep it, as well as visitors to crowded and poorly ventilated places.

(Illustration) AP - Gemunu Amarasinghe

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

In Thailand, wearing a mask is no longer compulsory.

The government has just further relaxed the restrictions linked to the Covid-19 epidemic.

Tourism professionals hope to bring some tourists back more quickly.

Yet, for nearly a week since the easing has been in effect, most Thais continue to wear masks as a precaution.

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With our correspondent in Bangkok

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Wearing a mask outdoors will now be on a voluntary basis, the government has announced.

Only high-risk or infected people are required to keep it, as well as visitors to crowded and poorly ventilated places.

However, for now, in major urban centers, Thais seem determined to continue wearing the mask.

This is the case of Lung Lek, a taxi driver in the capital: “ 

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Self-discipline since the start of the pandemic

This self-discipline was expressed from the start of the epidemic, during which Thais often preceded official regulations in terms of wearing a mask and confinement.

So much so that the new governor of Bangkok recently carried out his morning run under the eye of the cameras, without a mask, in order to set an example.

The easing is linked to the improvement of the health situation in Thailand.

It is also intended to attract tourists.

But Thais may need an awareness campaign to convince them of the benefits of removing the mask.

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• Thailand

• Coronavirus