Thai PM fined 6,000 baht for not wearing face mask at meeting
Prayuth, who is also the defence minister, was penalised for breaching the rules during a meeting at the Government House in the morning...
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan o-cha was fined 6,000 baht (RM782) for not wearing a face mask yesterday, the first day that the wearing of masks was made compulsory in public spaces in the Thai capital.
Prayuth (above), who is also the defence minister, was penalised for breaching the rules during a meeting at the Government House yesterday morning.
A photograph of Prayuth without a face mask while chairing the meeting had circulated on social media earlier in the day. The photo, which was posted on Prayuth’s official Facebook page, was later removed.
Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang said on his official Facebook page that he filed a complaint against the prime minister.
Aswin said he informed the prime minister that he had violated the rules, which require everyone to wear a mask at all times outside residences.
“He (Prayuth) was issued a fine of 6,000 baht… He agreed to pay the fine,” he added.
Under Section 51 of Thailand's Communicable Diseases Act 2015, a person who violates the order will face a maximum fine of 20,000 baht.
However, officials may consider charging less based on the regulations on fining, which stipulate 6,000 baht for the first offence, 12,000 baht for the second and 20,000 baht for the third onward, Bangkok Post reported.
The wearing of the face mask has been made compulsory following a rapid surge in Covid-19 cases in the country.
- Bernama
