No More Masks: Thailand Officially Lifts Mask Mandate for Indoor, Outdoor Settings

The Thai government has lifted its mask mandate effective immediately as “the COVID-19 situation in the country has improved,” according to an announcement signed by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, which was published in the Royal Gazette on Thursday, Jun 23.

“The wearing of hygienic or cloth masks shall be voluntary,” the announcement said.

An official source at the Public Health Ministry told CNA that the lifting of the mandate “applies to both indoor and outdoor spaces.” The previous mandate required everyone in Thailand to wear masks in all public places, even when alone.

Still, the public is advised to wear masks at crowded places where there’s no proper ventilation and social distancing is not possible.

People who are at high risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with cancer, diabetes, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and other health conditions, are also still advised to keep wearing masks.

Those who wish to continue wearing their masks for personal reasons may continue to do so.