Phuket authorities have vowed to crack down on tourists who don’t wear masks in public. Under local law, violators of sanitary and epidemiological rules face fines and even imprisonment.
Holidaymakers in Phuket do not wear masks in public places, and local authorities have decided to strictly comply with the requirement of the local committee on infectious diseases, said the head of the migration service, Thanet Sukchait. Phuket Governor Narong Wunsiu has already asked the consuls of 22 countries based on the island to inform their citizens about the need to use face masks, he said.
“Violators will be arrested and prosecuted. The Phuket Health Authority has been instructed to prepare appropriate complaints. It is necessary to set an example,” the official stressed.
It is planned to form a task force to enforce the rule. The local police will take the lead and check people in key areas including Soi Bangla and Patong.
On January 7, the island’s governor issued an order for people to wear masks even when they go outside, unless they are eating, drinking or exercising.
Violation of the order is subject to a fine of up to 20,000 baht under the Communicable Diseases Act, as well as a fine of up to 40,000 baht and/or imprisonment for up to two years under the Public Emergency Management Executive Order .
In the UK, on the contrary, they decided to cancel part of the measures to combat coronavirus. Including not punishing citizens who do not wear masks. The World Health Organization, in turn, called for the lifting of restrictions on international travel.