Thai prime minister gets fined for not wearing mask in public in light of new wave of Covid

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was fined on Monday (Apr 26) for not wearing a face mask in public while attending a meeting at Government House to discuss the COVID-19 situation in Thailand.

In a Facebook post, Mr Prayut explained how his government is pushing to secure more COVID-19 vaccines and attached a photograph of the meeting. It showed him at a table with several advisers.

All of them wore face masks except the prime minister.

Wearing a mask is now compulsory in public spaces in 49 provinces and the Thai capital. Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang had reminded residents to put on their face masks correctly from Monday or risk a fine of up to 20,000 baht (US$640).

Following widespread criticism against the prime minister, Aswin posted on his Facebook page that Prayut has been fined 6,000 baht (US$190) for failing to comply with the rules.