63 of 77 Thai provinces require public to wear face masks, curfews in 8 provinces

63 of 77 provinces in Thailand are now requiring the public to wear face masks while outside to help curb the spread of Covid-19. The rule has been extended from the previous 56 provinces, to now include those provinces of:

NORTHEAST:

Nakhon Ratchasima

Bung Kan

Nong Bua Lam Phu

Roi Et

CENTRAL PLAINS:

Sing Buri

Nakhon Sawan

SOUTHERN:

Chumphon

The 56 provinces already requiring face masks at all public places include:

Sukhothai

Tak

Phetchabun

Uttaradit

Lamphun

Phitsanulok

Chiang Mai

NORTHEAST:

Yasothon

Nong Khai

Ubon Ratchathani

Chaiyaphum

Maha Sarakham

Mukdahan

Si Sa Ket

Surin

Udon Thani

Loei

Amnat Charoen

Buri Ram

Nakhon Phanom

Khon Kaen

Kalasin

In addition, curfews are now in force in 8 provinces, up from 6 previously:

Trang (10pm-3am)

Nonthaburi (9pm-4am)

Bung Kan (11pm-4am)

Pathum Thani (9pm-4am)

Songkhla (10pm-4am)

Samut Prakan (9pm-4am)

Samut Sakhon (11pm-4am)

Surat Thani (10pm-4am)

Police say the fine for mask violations is set at up to 20,000 baht, but for first-time offenders it would start at 6,000 baht and gradually increase on subsequent offences. Recently, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha was apparently a first time offender as he was fined 6,000 baht by the Bangkok Governor for not wearing a mask during a cabinet meeting.

In Phuket, government officials have threatened to strictly enforce the 20,000 baht face mask fine and contact consular officials for foreigners that refuse to mask up. The vice governor of Phuket has issued a stern warning that all people are required to wear face masks in public at all times.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post