NOTE:
April Fools! In case people have missed the hundreds of so posts pointing out that this is ASEAN NOW April Fools joke 

----

 

BANGKOK – In a move likely to raise eyebrows within the expat community, Thailand's Ministry of Health has unveiled a new initiative to combat communicable diseases: reinstating mask mandates for foreigners in major tourist areas.

 

Citing concerns about the potential for foreign visitors to introduce new illnesses, officials emphasize this isn't about pinpointing blame, but rather a proactive, preventative measure.
 

"Thailand prides itself on its warm hospitality," declared a Ministry spokesperson. "However, with global travel increasing, it's imperative to safeguard public health. This targeted approach ensures that our international guests don't unwittingly compromise the well-being of our citizens."

 

The regulation will apply to popular destinations like Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai. Locals, with their presumed stronger resistance to regional ailments, will be exempt.

 

Enforcement details are still under development. However, officials suggest a potential collaboration between health inspectors and immigration officers, possibly leading to on-the-spot mask checks and educational pamphlets for new arrivals.

 

Expat Community Expresses Concerns

 

The announcement has sparked a range of reactions within the expat community. Some express understanding, citing Thailand's history of vigilance during past outbreaks. Others voice concerns about potential discrimination and the slippery slope of increasingly targeted regulations.

 

"While I appreciate the desire to protect public health," commented one long-term Bangkok resident, "singling out foreigners seems like an oversimplification. Viruses don't check passports."

 

Tourism Industry Anticipates Challenges

 

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has issued a statement acknowledging the Ministry of Health's concerns while emphasizing the importance of maintaining a welcoming environment for all visitors. Industry figures are privately worried about negative publicity and potential confusion among travelers.

 

Whether this new regulation will have a significant impact on public health or tourism numbers remains to be seen. What is certain is that Thailand, known for its sometimes labyrinthine bureaucracy, has once again sparked a lively debate on the balance between precaution and inclusivity.

 

TOP: File photo

 

-- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-01

 

- Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe
 

 

15 minutes ago, webfact said:

In a move likely to raise eyebrows within the expat community

I'll say, a stupid, knee jerk idea, not only 'raising' but it's rather annoying and out of place, I for one think that this

is a clear discrimination against tourists, why not make Thai people wear masks as well? are they immuned

from bringing or carrying the disease in? and why only in holiday spots and not in major cities?

how odd will it look to see foreignness wearing masks and locals not? and whey don't they

give it at the airports rather than at the holiday spots?...

Edited March 31, 20242 yr by ezzra

Next we'll be branded on our forehead

What's the punishment for noncompliance? Having to listen to a recording of Anutin giving a speech in Thai for an hour?

59 minutes ago, EVENKEEL said:

Next we'll be branded on our forehead

 

Along with ringing a bell and calling "Unclean. Unclean." at regular intervals.

1 hour ago, EVENKEEL said:

Next we'll be branded on our forehead

 

H for Health  risk?

it's okay. I have nothing against this requirement. I spent the whole 2 months in Canada sick because the people are filthy. First the cold and now bronchitis that won't go away.

I think they should have mandatory that everybody’s wearing a mask TIT

Lol, dirty foreigners again and all Thai's are of pure perfection health........BS 

4 minutes ago, Celsius said:

it's okay. I have nothing against this requirement. I spent the whole 2 months in Canada sick because the people are filthy. First the cold and now bronchitis that won't go away.

Ain't nobody got time for that!

When will the stupidity enddddddddddddddddd😫
Wake me up when it's over....

Face-mask or no Face-mask tourists will only come once. Thailand is on a loosing trajectory. 

What he meant to say, "This targeted approach ensures that our international guests don't unwittingly want to travel to Thailand."

18 minutes ago, Celsius said:

it's okay. I have nothing against this requirement. I spent the whole 2 months in Canada sick because the people are filthy. First the cold and now bronchitis that won't go away.

Yea you escaped hell on earth

18 minutes ago, TheFishman1 said:

I think they should have mandatory that everybody’s wearing a mask TIT

Oh you are just enjoying yourself poking this little fire!

A bit of a switch... during Covid we came across some officials walking around Beach Rd, giving out facemasks free. We didn't get one and were told 'only for Thai'.......

Edited March 31, 20242 yr by jacko45k

Complete insanity.  Masks don’t work.   I can see the rationale for heavily encouraging pm2.5 due to the filthy cancer causing air.  But what they want Farang wearing surgical masks. Is that to stop them from drooling?

4 minutes ago, sletraveler said:

Yea you escaped hell on earth

 

not yet

1 hour ago, Enzian said:

What's the punishment for noncompliance? Having to listen to a recording of Anutin giving a speech in Thai for an hour?

..and the Brake Reaction/Colour Blind Tests.

Stupidity cannot be fought

1 hour ago, Enzian said:

What's the punishment for noncompliance? Having to listen to a recording of Anutin giving a speech in Thai for an hour?

Or a compulsory renewal of a Thai driving licence! 

Conspiracy theorists and nutters are drawn to topics like this like a moth to the flame. Incredible.

44 minutes ago, Celsius said:

it's okay. I have nothing against this requirement. I spent the whole 2 months in Canada sick because the people are filthy. First the cold and now bronchitis that won't go away.

That’s a you problem champ. 

Edited March 31, 20242 yr by sandrew33

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Citing concerns about the potential for foreign visitors to introduce new illnesses, officials emphasize this isn't about pinpointing blame, but rather a proactive, preventative measure.

Those dirty filthy stinking farangs again... but please don't stay away we need your money, just wear a face mask so we don't catch anything from you.

2 hours ago, webfact said:

officials emphasize this isn't about pinpointing blame, but rather a proactive, preventative measure.

 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

This targeted approach ensures that our international guests don't unwittingly compromise the well-being of our citizens."

Not pinpointing, but targeting.... how about handing out anti PM2.5 masks at the arrivals to protect tourists from Thailands harmful polution?

2 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

Next we'll be branded on our forehead

ALIEN

47 minutes ago, Celsius said:

it's okay. I have nothing against this requirement. I spent the whole 2 months in Canada sick because the people are filthy. First the cold and now bronchitis that won't go away.

haha, what a joke.

maybe you got sick because canada has the worst climate in the world. 

8 minutes ago, sandrew33 said:

That’s a you problem champ. 

 

mask up or get deported 🙂

Absolute gold these responses.

this mask nonsense is coming back? holy moly.

 

3 hours ago, Celsius said:

it's okay. I have nothing against this requirement. I spent the whole 2 months in Canada sick because the people are filthy. First the cold and now bronchitis that won't go away.

Yeah but one for all and all for one and all that.Not just  foreigners