A look at Covid-19 preventive measures currently applied around Thailand, including mask mandates and night-time restrictions

National –

The Ministry of Interior and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has informed the recent round-up of Covid-19 measures, including mask mandates and night-time restrictions in several provinces nationwide, effective until further notice.

This list is effective as of press time but as the situation is very fluid in Thailand currently is subject to change quickly.

All provinces in Thailand have now applied mask mandates with up to a 20,000 baht fine for violating. The law to prevent the spread of Covid-19 applies everywhere when you are in public places and even in your own car if with more than one person, regardless if they are family members or not. Some provinces are reportedly even fining people alone in their own vehicles and there is not a clause for exercising. The general rule is the moment you step out of your house, you should be wearing a mask. Indeed, some prominent Thai doctors have even gone as far as saying people should wear masks at home to protect family members if they do not live alone, although there is no mandate to wear a mask in your own home.

A total of 28 provinces nationwide has imposed night-time restrictions, urging everyone to avoid going out at night unless utmost necessary. Except where listed, these are all “soft” curfews, requesting people to stay indoors except for emergencies. It is still possible for one to be stopped and questioned by law enforcement as to the importance of their trip overnight in these provinces.

The provinces are:

CENTRAL REGION

1. Chai Nat, 23.00-04.00 Hrs.
2. Nakhon Pathom, 23.00-04.00 Hrs.
3. Nakhon Nayok, 23.00-04.00 Hrs.
4. Nonthaburi, 21.00-04.00 Hrs.
5. Pathum Thani, 21.00-04.00 Hrs.
6. Phetchaburi, 23.00-04.00 Hrs.
7. Ratchaburi, 23.00-04.00 Hrs.
8. Samut Prakan, 21.00-04.00 Hrs.
9. Samut Sakhon, 23.00-04.00 Hrs.
10. Suphan Buri, 23.00-04.00 Hrs.
11. Sa Kaeo-Midnight to 4:00 AM

NORTHERN REGION

1. Phrae, 23.00-03.00 Hrs.
2. Uthai Thani, 23.00-04.00 Hrs.

NORTHEASTERN REGION

1. Bueng Kan, 23.00-04.00 Hrs.
2. Buri Ram, all-day
3. Chaiyaphum, 23.00-04.00 Hrs.
4. Nakhon Ratchasima, 23.00-04.00 Hrs.
5. Nong Khai, 23.00-04.00 Hrs.
6. Ubon Ratchathani, 23.00-04.00 Hrs.
7. Yasothon, 23.00-04.00 Hrs.

SOUTHERN REGION

1. Krabi, 22.00-04.00 Hrs.
2. Pattani, 22.00-04.00 Hrs.
3. Phatthalung, 22.00-03.00 Hrs.
4. Phuket, 22.00-04.00 Hrs.
5. Ranong, 22.00-04.00 Hrs.
6. Songkhla, 22.00-04.00 Hrs.
7. Surat Thani, 22.00-04.00 Hrs.
8. Trang, 22.00-03.00 Hrs.
9. Yala, 22.00-04.00 Hrs. (This is an exception from the others in that officials are treating this as a “hard” curfew with strict fines and penalties unless it is an absolute emergency.)

Some additional measures were also imposed by local governments in different provinces. Surat Thani, including Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, has prohibited drinking alcohol in a group of more than two people at homes and other places, effective today. The Buriram provincial authority has urged local residents to stay home for 14 days, until May 17th, to curb the domestic spread. Sa Kaeo has banned the sales of alcohol entirely in the province until further notice. Chonburi has restricted access to their popular beaches for exercise only which has led to confusing and inconsistent restrictions across the province for beaches.

Many popular islands have closed entirely to non-residents such as Koh Larn, Koh Kood, and Samed.

Phuket has closed its mainland checkpoint overnight and requires either proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a Covid-19 test to enter the island. Many provinces are also requiring fourteen-day quarantine or Covid-19 tests before entering, especially from red zones. It is worth noting, however, that in practice these rules are not being applied universally as some report no problems traveling and others report having been stopped at checkpoints.

In Chonburi, residents are told they need permission from local authorities to leave and travel out of the province and it can only be for essential, critical reasons. Krabi has set up aggressive checkpoints across the area which are set to determine why people are traveling and encourage them at home.

In “dark red zones” which include Chonburi, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai, dine-in at restaurants is entirely closed and one may only have take-away until 9:00 PM.

All of these are in addition to national-level restrictions that close all entertainment venues and restrict hours of retailers, ban alcohol sales at restaurants, and other restrictions. There is no national ban on travel or national curfew or national lockdown, however, since all governors of provinces can strengthen rules many have, causing what can be confusing for many residents as rules can and do differ from province to province.

The overall message from authorities currently is simple, according to most Governors and the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). Stay at home, period, until the situation improves, and work from home if possible.

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