Thirty-one provinces are now warning their residents to wear masks when they leave home or face a fine.
The update comes as the national Covid-19 case total passed 50,000 on Friday, with authorities warning that a shortage of intensive-care beds was a real possibility if the virus cannot be brought under control.
The Interior Ministry released a list of the 31 provinces where mask wearing outside the home to guard against the spread of Covid-19 is now compulsory. They are:
NORTH
- Chiang Rai
- Phetchabun
- Sukhothai
- Tak
- Uttaradit
NORTHEAST
- Chaiyaphum
- Maha Sarakham
- Mukdahan
- Nong Khai
- Si Sa Ket
- Surin
- Ubon Ratchathani
- Udon Thani
- Yasothon
CENTRAL AND EAST
- Ang Thong
- Ayutthaya
- Kanchanaburi
- Phetchaburi
- Prachin Buri
- Rayong
- Samut Sakhon
- Suphan Buri
SOUTH
- Narathiwat
- Pattani
- Phangnga
- Phatthalung
- Phuket
- Ranong
- Satun
- Surat Thani
- Trang
Authorities said violators could be fined up to 4,000 baht under the Communicable Disease Act if they ignore putting on a mask in public places.
A 37-year-old man was fined by the Surat Thani District Court on Wednesday for failing to wear a protective mask after a prosecutor brought a case against him.
The court halved the financial penalty to 2,000 baht as the defendant confessed to the offence. – Bangkok Post
