While everyone is talking about the fact that all food outlets across Bangkok can now reopen for customers to dine in, starting from today (May 17), another big piece of information announced through the latest Royal Gazette is somewhat interesting: You can now take off your face mask when you have to speak in a long meeting.
Back on April 26, the authorities had stated that the public ought to wear a face mask properly at all times when entering any public spaces, and a fine up to B20,000 could be charged to any individuals not following the regulation. However, in the recent Royal Gazette, the strict regulation was eased off due to the government's concern over the convenience of people who have to go through a long meeting and may have to join in the exchange.
The Royal Gazette announcement reads: "In case of a meeting that takes multiple hours to carry on, wearing a face mask could be inconvenient or a hassle for the participants to keep the discussion going. If the meeting organizers have already practiced ample preventive measures according to the government's obligations—namely social distancing, wearing a face mask when participating in the meeting, showing proof of a COVID-negative result, and screening for COVID-19 symptoms—the requirement of wearing a face mask can be relaxed when the participants need to speak up or opine during the meeting"
One little fun fact: PM Prayut Chan-o-cha was one of the very first cases of famous individuals who were fined when the face mask order was in effect. He was charged B6,000 after not wearing a face mask during the cabinet meeting in late April.