Thailand week in review: Monkeypox now requires close surveillance in Thailand, Mask mandate end will only apply in certain areas, and more

Here is a look at the top NATIONAL stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, May 23rd to the 29th, with some commentary. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.

PHOTO: Prachachat

1. Removal of facial mask mandate will only apply in certain areas, Thailand’s Public Health Ministry says

The CCSA (Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration) clarified following the Public Health Ministry’s announcement of the end of mask mandates proposal that the committee would consider it and they are likely to be imposed in certain areas only, such as in most outdoor areas and provinces in the Green zones and the Blue zones which included major tourist attractions like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chonburi. However, this is only a proposal from the Public Health, and the CCSA and its committee will announce their decision after the next meeting. If passes, it is likely that the implementation will start around mid-June.

Removal of facial mask mandate will only apply in certain areas, Thailand’s Public Health Ministry says

2. Thailand classifies Monkeypox as communicable disease that requires close surveillance

The disease now requires close surveillance under the Communicable Diseases Act 2015, despite the fact that no infections were found in the Kingdom. Under the classification, the Department of Disease Control now ordered Monkeypox surveillance at health checkpoints in International Airports nationwide as well as on Thailand Plus registration to detect risky groups of arrivals in order to prevent the import case and domestic infections.

Thailand classifies Monkeypox as communicable disease that requires close surveillance

3. Royal Gazette officially announces Emergency Decree extension until July

For the 18th time, the Emergency Decree has been extended from June 1st to July 31st. According to the government, the Decree must be implemented to help the redefinition process of Covid-19 as an endemic disease in Thailand, which is scheduled to approach around July or later than that. They also denied critics saying that the decree is implemented to stop potential pro-democracy and anti-government protests.

Royal Gazette officially announces Emergency Decree extension until July

And, that is all for this week. Thank you as always for reading the Pattaya News/TPN News!

Psst….want to see more? Check out our TikTok here

Subscribe
Nop Meechukhun
National News Writer at The Pattaya News from September 2020 to October, 2022. Born and raised in Bangkok, Nop enjoys telling stories of her hometown through her words and pictures. Her educational experience in the United States and her passion for journalism have shaped her genuine interests in society, politics, education, culture, and art.