Prime Minister Prayut fined for not wearing a mask


From Monday 26th April 2021, not wearing your mask in Bangkok’s public spaces can result in a fine of up to ฿20,000 (~USD6,355).

That same day,  Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha was spotted attending a cabinet meeting without a mask, and was fined ฿6,000 (~USD191), announced Bangkok’s Governor Mr. Aswin Kwanmuang.

Recent Covid-19 updates:


Committed offence for the first time


 According to Khaosod English, it was the first time that Prime Minister Prayut committed this offence, so he wasn’t fined with ฿20,000 (~USD6,355). First-time transgressors are usually fined ฿6,000 (~USD191), based on the Communicable Diseases Act, revealed by Mr. Damrong Kittiprapat, Deputy Police Commissioner.

PM Prayut Didn't Wear A Mask At A Cabinet Meeting, He Got Fined ฿6,000A Government house meeting with PM Prayut
Image credit: ประยุทธ์ จันทร์โอชา Prayut Chan-o-cha

Due to the gravity of the pandemic, the officer requests for the public to follow these rules as well.


Covid-19 measures in Thailand


The Thai government has enforced stricter nationwide measures to avoid the spread of the virus. Previously, there were no signs of a nationwide lockdown, because Thailand’s tourism sector has been heavily affected by the pandemic.

Currently, the country has been facing a spike in daily cases after Songkran. Thus, the decision for Bangkok’s lockdown is expected to be finalised on 28th April 2021, according to The Nation Thailand.


Always abide with the rules


Due to the unfolding COVID-19 situation, we are encouraged to abide by regulations issued by the government – rules that are established to keep us safe as citizens.

Thanks to this incident, we can also see that the same rules apply to everyone – including the Prime Minister – especially when it comes to wearing a mask.

Thus, the lesson of the story is to always abide by the regulations, as they are useful in keeping everyone safe.

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Cover image adapted from: @prayutofficial (Left), The Thaiger (Right)

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