Originally Posted by
maerim
Wearing of masks is to a large extent cultural. In the CBD of Bangkok where I live it is common to see the same non-Thais not wearing a mask outside every time I see them as well as people who are obviously tourists. I have yet to see a Thai comment to a non Thai about this in an open area, but have done in a busy market at lunch time, where the non Thai responded positively.
Compared to a few months ago wearing of masks by Thais while running outside is much less and certainly in Benjakkiti Park the security guards are not as actively requesting people to wear masks as they were. I follow the Thai way and will continue to do so. It is second nature to wear a mask and it is not restrictive.
At the same time as a long term resident of Thailand it is good to see a few more tourists of different nationalities and types nowadays. The last few months have been a great time to visit Thailand and the situation has certainly not stopped the locals having long weekend breaks with many hotels fully booked.
I agree, follow the local custom (or in this case, still law!) or don’t come here at all - interestingly, I have started to see quite a few farangs not wearing masks outside over the past week or so, which was not the case before.
Agree completely on the domestic tourism having not relented and having actually helped keep the lights on for many business in especially the hospitality industry which was so hard hit. But it is good to see more international people coming back injecting some much needed funds into the economy.
May I ask which are you are in? - we may live close to each other
