Thai PM Attends Meeting To Discuss COVID-19 Situation Without Face Mask, Fined Rs 14,000

Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha was fined 6,000 baht (Rs 14,000) on Monday for not wearing a mask in public while attending a meeting at the Government House to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the country.?

The breach was confirmed by the governor of Bangkok, who took to Facebook to announce that the PM has to pay a hefty fine.?

"After the meeting, the prime minister asked me as the governor of Bangkok to investigate if the case is wrongdoing. I informed him that his action violates the announcement by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration which ordered people in Bangkok to wear surgical masks or cloth masks anytime they leave their residence",?Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang wrote on his official Facebook page.?

The move came after a photograph of Prayuth appeared on his Facebook page showing him not wearing a mask in a meeting. The photograph was later removed?due to intense backlash and widespread criticism.

Also read:?Norway Police Fines Their PM Rs 1.75 Lakh For Flouting COVID-19 Norms To Celebrate Her Birthday

AP

The prime minister made an inquiry to city hall about the restrictions, which specify that masks should be worn at all times outside residences, prompting his fine, said Aswin.??

Thai officials are imposing fines of up to 20,000 baht (Rs 47,610) on people who fail to wear face masks in public in 48 provinces, as the government struggles to cope with a new wave of coronavirus cases that is straining the country's medical system.??

Also read:?Man In Uttar Pradesh Becomes First Offender To Be Fined Rs 10,000 For Not Wearing A Mask In Public

AFP

Thailand, which has barred the entry of travellers from India, with the exception of Thai citizens, from May 1, on Monday announced 2,048 new infections and eight new deaths, the fourth consecutive day with over 2,000 new COVID-19 cases.??

The embassy said it will not issue certificates of entry for non-Thai nationals until further notice. From May 1, only Thai nationals will be able to enter Thailand from India, the mission announced on Sunday.??

Also read:?Experts Say Two Masks Better, Increases Protection Against COVID by 95%: A Guide To Stay Safe