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.

Originally Posted by SKT-DK

I agree, follow the local custom (or in this case, still law!) or don�t come here at all -

Originally Posted by travelinterpreters

Does the law state that you have to wear a mask outside? Maybe I've only paid attention to the Thai Pass rules that I totally overlooked this.

Originally Posted by SKT-DK

Yes it does.

Originally Posted by Davvidd

I have seen a fair bit of tourists not wearing the mask in Bangkok especially. If it is the law everyone should wear it.

Originally Posted by behuman

And everybody should wear a helmet riding a motorbike and all cars should stop at pedestrin crossings, etc....

It is the charme of Thailand that "everything goes". In the case of the masks it is rather that Asians appear to be more careful about health issues than we Caucasians. Not necessarily a bad thing.

Anybody can quote this "mask law" ?

Originally Posted by BinSabai

in the tourist areas, the mandate has been less and less enforced...obviously the BiB are ordered to tolerate this...
I walked through typical tourist areas in Bangkok like lower Sukhumvit, Silom Soi 4, Patpong, Soi Cowboy and people wearing masks were in the minority (also locals did not wear), but if you just step one block outside, for example Silom around Saladaeng or around Asoke, 95% were wearing masks

Originally Posted by SKT-DK

I took a walk down Patpong, Silom and Sathorn the other day (and drive around Silom, Sala Daeng, Sathorn, Rama IV, Witthayu almost daily) and I would say 98-99% wear masks still, with the exception of a few foreigners.

Originally Posted by BinSabai

strange as I made the exact opposite experience in lower Sukhumvit last week and in Patpong, Silom Soi 4 3 weeks ago...maybe it depends on the time of the day...after 8pm you are a minority wearing masks...also most locals stop to do so

Originally Posted by SKT-DK

If after 8pm in Patpong, I have no doubt you are right - my timing is more around going to Foodland late afternoon/early evening

Originally Posted by tango_echo

Talking of proof of vaccination, has this ever been mandated domestically in Thailand? Is there much chance of unvaccinated arrivals this summer having a hard time accessing hotels or restaurants?

Originally Posted by BinSabai

i do not think, that you will have a hard time.
So far during all the time I only had to show proof of vaccination at 2 sightseeing spots, a temple and a cave...never at any hotel or restaurant...now with the opening of the country, there will be hardly any venue left, who ask for this...

Originally Posted by tango_echo

Talking of proof of vaccination, has this ever been mandated domestically in Thailand? Is there much chance of unvaccinated arrivals this summer having a hard time accessing hotels or restaurants?