NONTHABURI, Feb 21 (TNA) — The Internal Trade Department issues a new regulation to generally ban the exports of face masks so that the products are adequately available in the country amid concerns about the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Internal Trade Department director-general Whichai Phochanakij said that earlier operators were required to seek permission for each export of 500 face masks and over. That prompted some operators to export less than 500 pieces at a time without having to seek permission.
The new regulation that took effect on Feb 21 simply bans all face mask exports, except for the authorized exports of the face masks that are not used in the country, are banned from local use due to copyrights or form a minor part of all masks each operator produces.
The regulation also allows individuals to carry a limited number of face masks for personal use on their outbound trips. The number is limited at 30 masks per trip per healthy traveler and at 50 masks per trip per ill traveler who has a medical certificate.
Mr Whichai also said that Thailand was ready to export face masks to neighboring countries on the condition that the exports were conducted in a government-to-government manner.
He warned that any party that possessed face masks must distribute the majority of their products through the state; otherwise, they would be liable to a jail term of five years and/or a fine of 100,000 baht. (TNA)
