The face masks mandate in the public areas will not be lifted outright on the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) meets on 17 June, but guidance will be provided regarding where masks can be removed.
Today, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dismissed speculation that the CCSA will lift the face mask mandate, saying that it is a social measure and the Ministry of Public Health does not intend to do away with it yet but will assess in which public venues the requirement can be relaxed.
Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, in his capacity as the head of the CCSA. He has made clear that, in considering the face mask issue, the CCSA must exercise great caution and listen to many experts’ opinions, with public safety being the primary concern.
Meanwhile, Disease Control Department Director-General Dr Opart Karnkawinpong said that the Public Health Ministry will propose that all the 77 provinces in Thailand should be designated as a green (Surveillance) COVID-19 zone instead of the three zones as it is now.
Currently, there are 14 Green and 46 Yellow (High Surveillance) provinces and 17 Blue (Tourism “Sandbox” Program) provinces.
Dr Opart said that, in the Green zone, there are barely any restrictions on individuals or venues, and people can engage in almost every legal activity.
Regarding nightlife operators calling on the CCSA to allow them to stay open until 2 am, he said the Ministry of Public Health had made it clear that there should be no issues with the suggested hours for bars and nightclub。. However, the CCSA would confirm the final decision.
 meets on 17 June, but guidance will be provided regarding where masks can be removed.){kind=link}