Land of Smiles - Behind a Mask!

[Hector]

For nearly three months since 1 July mask wearing in Thailand has been officially voluntary, with a recommendation that people continue to wear them in indoor crowded places or public transport.
Covid 19 is now officially endemic in Thailand, but it would appear that mask wearing is as well – wherever you are in the country.  If you don't wear one, people look at you as though you are some sort of pariah; newsreaders, government spokespersons, police, passers by – in fact everyone everywhere still wears a mask.  Motor cycle riders even wear them rather than a helmet!
Why is this?  Are the Thais still paranoid about Covid 19 or do they just not want to be the first to discard the wretched things?  It's a pity that, having made the 'voluntary' announcement, the government doesn't appear to wish to follow its own edict.

[caller]

The real figures are much higher than what they choose to declare and I think for the majority of Thais, the fear of covid is related to loss of earnings. I know someone who has just been dismissed after getting covid. A few weeks back I knew at least half a dozen people who currently had covid, in Bkk and Hua Hin.

Out of curiosity, when you go to a  mall or whatever, do you still wear a mask?

I have to be honest that I do, out of respect for the Thai's that I live amongst. As you say, they don't really like it when you don't. I think it is changing and it will be interesting later this week, to see, when I visit, what the situation in Bkk is. I know they will be worn in Malls, on the BTS and in Taxi's. I will do the same, especially for the last two, whether required to, or not. But I will also be visiting large 'garden centres' - huge collections of individual shops in one area, which I love doing. I am interested to see if the Thai's still wear masks there, I suspect so.

[Roger]

I'm returning to Thailand shortly and I'll be wearing a mask in the 'Malls' and 7/11 etc. and probably, if I see the Swatcats ! But in Bars/ Restaurants, I'll not - but I'm usually not in those places when they are crowded at all.

In the UK I've not worn a mask except in medical places, for months now. Yet it is still around - I know of a few suffering now and about 8 weeks ago, my Cousins 69 year old Husband passed of Covid.

Thanks Hector - useful to know and Caller, this was helpful for perspective - "A few weeks back I knew at least half a dozen people who currently had covid, in Bkk and Hua Hin".

To prepare for travelling -I had my 4th (being Pfizer), a couple of weeks ago - I didn't fancy another 'Moderna' as it knocked me over a bit last time. I'll be wearing one on Thai Airways    

[caller]

Caller, this was helpful for perspective - "A few weeks back I knew at least half a dozen people who currently had covid, in Bkk and Hua Hin".

One has had it twice, and whilst the first time wasnt so bad, the latest bout was far worse, where she really suffered with her throat and a really bad cough. Same for my other half's neice, who is a physio emplyed in a hospital in Bkk. First time for her, but she was really rough with the same symptoms, so I guess they had the latest variant that is reported as being a bit nastier.

When I went for my latest booster in Bkk at the end of June, we were surprised we had to go to a temple. When there we noticed a large group of younger people already waiting for the medics to set up. Turns out they were all Burmese, most were there for their 2nd jab - forget about boosters, astonishingly, some were there for their first jab! All employed in Bkk factories.